Folding/retractable pickup truck box cover

ABSTRACT

A retractable pickup truck box cover system includes a pivot joint with improved strength, durability, and manufacturability between panels of a panel assembly of the cover system. A sealing system between the panels and along ends of the panel assembly provides improved weather resistance to the cover system. A lateral support system provides resistance to binding loads when opening and closing the panel assembly. The lateral support system may also aid installation of the cover system. A ramp adjustment system allows fine tuning of the ramps that guide folding and unfolding of the panel assembly. An improved locking system and the pivot joints allow more compact storage of the panel assembly. The improved locking system includes lock rods that engage rails of the cover system. Connecting structures connect adjacent panel pairs when the cover system is deployed and do not connect the adjacent panels when the cover system is stowed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/766,396, filed on Feb. 13, 2013, U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,833, issued onJul. 18, 2017, entitled FOLDING/RETRACTABLE PICKUP TRUCK BOX COVER,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/598,338, entitled “RETRACTABLE COVER SYSTEM FOR A PICKUP TRUCK BOX”,and filed on Feb. 13, 2012; and to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/598,665, entitled “FOLDING/RETRACTABLE PICKUP TRUCK BOXCOVER”, and filed on Feb. 14, 2012; and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/763,901, entitled “FOLDING/RETRACTABLE PICKUPTRUCK BOX COVER”, and filed on Feb. 12, 2013. Each of theabove-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is madeto each of the above-identified applications.

BACKGROUND

Pickup trucks typically include a pickup truck box positioned toward arear end of the pickup truck and behind a cab of the pickup truck. Thepickup truck box, as delivered from the factory, typically includes anopening behind a front wall of the pickup truck box and between a rightand a left sidewall of the pickup truck box. At a rear end of the pickuptruck box, an end gate is typically positioned between the right and theleft sidewalls of the pickup truck box. The end gate is typicallyfoldable to an open position that pivots about an axis that ispositioned adjacent a bed of the pickup truck box. The front wall, theright and the left sidewalls, and the end gate of the pickup truck boxtypically extend upward from the bed of the pickup truck box. Theopening of the pickup truck box typically extends around a perimeter ofthe pickup truck box that includes tops of the front wall, the right andleft sidewalls, and the end gate. The opening of the pickup truck boxallows the pickup truck box to haul irregularly shaped and/or largeobjects that may extend above the tops of the front wall, the right andthe left sidewalls, and the end gate and further allows the objects toextend above the cab of the pickup. However, the opening of the pickuptruck box does not provide enclosed storage that is often desired tokeep various items in. The opening of the pickup truck box may furthercause increased aerodynamic drag on the pickup truck that results inincreased fuel usage and thereby cause increased cost and increasedenvironmental pollution.

A variety of pickup truck box covers has been developed, and such coversare available in the marketplace. The pickup truck box covers, that areavailable in the marketplace, typically cover the opening of the pickuptruck box and extend around the perimeter of the opening. The pickuptruck box covers typically have a configuration that covers orsubstantially covers the opening and may further provide a lock to lockthe pickup truck box cover in this extended configuration. The pickuptruck box covers may also include a retracted configuration wherein thepickup truck box cover is folded or otherwise moved out of the way tosubstantially uncover the pickup truck box opening. The pickup truck boxcover may further be removed from the pickup truck box and therebyfree-up the entire pickup truck box or substantially the entire pickuptruck box for use. U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,819, by Copp et al., issued onNov. 27, 2001, discloses a retractable cover system for use in coveringa pickup truck box and is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Peragon Enterprises, Inc. of Bemidji, Minn. 56619 sellsretractable cover systems for covering the opening of a pickup truckbox.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pivoting joint for aretractable cover system for use in covering an opening of a pickuptruck box. The retractable cover system includes a plurality of panelsthat pivot with respect to one another. When the plurality of the panelsis unfolded, the retractable cover system covers the opening of thepickup truck box. The pivoting joint includes a first member that moveswith a first panel of the plurality of panels. The first member includesa pivot surface that forms a part of the pivoting joint. In certainembodiments, the first member may be a separate piece from the firstpanel. In other embodiments, the first member may be part of the firstpanel. The pivoting joint also includes a second member that moves witha second panel of the plurality of panels. In certain embodiments, thesecond member may be a separate piece from the second panel, and, inother embodiments, the second member may be part of the second panel.The pivoting joint also includes a shaft that extends along an axis andincludes a spacer portion that is positioned between the first memberand the second member. The shaft extends from a first end to a secondend and further defines a pivoting portion that engages the pivotingsurface of the first member. The pivoting surface and the pivotingportion provide for a pivoting action of the pivoting joint. Inpreferred embodiments, the shaft is monolithic (i.e., one piece).

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sealing system fora retractable cover system for covering a pickup truck box. Theretractable cover system includes at least a first panel and a secondpanel that are pivotally attached to each other along a pivot axis. Theretractable cover system is moveable between an extended configurationthat substantially covers the pickup truck box and a stowedconfiguration that substantially uncovers the pickup truck box. Thefirst panel and the second panel substantially extend between sides ofthe pickup truck box. The sealing system includes a transverse seal andat least one longitudinal seal. The transverse seal is adapted to sealthe first panel and the second panel at a joint between the first andthe second panels when the retractable cover system is in the extendedconfiguration. The joint between the first panel and the second panelrotates about the pivot axis. The transverse seal substantially extendsbetween the sides of the pickup truck box. The transverse seal includesa top that extends between the first panel and the second panel and thatis substantially co-planar with a top surface of the first panel and atop surface of the second panel when the retractable cover system is inthe extended configuration. The at least one longitudinal seal extendssubstantially parallel to the sides of the pickup truck box. Thelongitudinal seal is in sealing contact with the top surfaces of thefirst and the second panels and the top of the transverse seal when theretractable cover system is in the extended configuration. The sealingsystem may further include a seal for sealing the retractable coversystem to an end gate of the pickup truck box. The seal substantiallyextends between the sides of the pickup truck box. The seal includes afirst side that is attached to an end panel of the retractable coversystem, a top side that is adjacent a guard lip of the end panel, and asecond side that is adapted for sealing contact with the end gate whenthe retractable cover system is in the extended configuration and theend gate is in a closed position.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a retractablecover system for covering a pickup truck box that includes a lateralguide positioned on at least one of a first and a second rail. Theretractable cover system further including a plurality of panelspivotally attached to one another and a plurality of guide elements. Atleast one of the guide elements engages the lateral guide and therebylaterally guides the plurality of panels.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method foradjusting a pair of opposing rails of the retractable cover system. Themethod includes installing the pair of the opposing rails, assemblingthe folding panel assembly to the pair of the opposing rails, and movingeach of the opposing rails inwardly. The pair of the opposing rails isinstalled over a pair of opposing side walls of the pickup truck box.The folding panel assembly is assembled to the pair of the opposingrails by respectively engaging a pair of opposing sets of guide elementsof the folding panel assembly with a pair of tracks of the pair of theopposing rails. Each of the opposing sets of guide elements includes anextended guide element that extends outwardly beyond the other guideelements. Each of the opposing rails are moved inwardly until a lateralguide surface of the opposing rail contacts the respective extendedguide element.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates to adjustableramps of a retractable cover system for covering a pickup truck box. Theretractable cover system includes a first rail, a first ramp, a secondrail, a second ramp, a plurality of panels, and a plurality of guideelements. The first rail includes a first track portion with a firstcutout. The first ramp continues from the first cutout of the firstrail. The second rail includes a second track portion with a secondcutout. The second ramp continues from the second cutout of the secondrail. The plurality of panels extends between a first side and a secondside. The plurality of panels is movable between a deployedconfiguration and a stowed configuration. The plurality of panelssubstantially covers the pickup truck box when in the deployedconfiguration. The plurality of guide elements guides and supports theplurality of panels and rides on the track portions. The plurality ofguide elements includes a first set of guide elements that remain on thetrack portions and a second set of guide elements that leave the trackportions at the cutouts and ride on the ramps. The ramps are adjustablefor aligning the ramps with the second set of guide elements by bendingthe ramps.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a locking systemfor the retractable cover system for covering the pickup truck box. Thelocking system includes a locked configuration that locks theretractable cover system in the extended configuration and an unlockedconfiguration that allows the retractable cover system to be movedbetween the extended configuration and the stowed configuration. Theretractable cover system includes a panel that is hingedly connected toa front side of the pickup truck box, a right rail that is positionedover a right side of the pickup truck box, and a left rail that ispositioned over a left side of the pickup truck box. The right railincludes a right track for guiding a right set of guide elements, andthe left rail includes a left track for guiding a left set of guideelements. The locking system includes a lock mount, a rotatable portion,a right guide, a left guide, a right lock rod, and a left lock rod. Thelock mount is positioned on the panel. The rotatable portion isrotatably mounted to the lock mount about an axis. The rotatable portionincludes an arm with a first connection and a second connection. Therotatable portion is moveable between a locked position and an unlockedposition. The right guide is positioned on a right side of the panel.The left guide is positioned on a left side of the panel. The right lockrod is pivotally connected to the first connection and is slidinglyconnected to the right guide. The left lock rod is pivotally connectedto the second connection and slidingly connected to the left guide. Whenthe rotatable portion is moved to the locked position from the unlockedposition, the arm urges a right end of the right lock rod to extendbeyond the right guide and enter the right rail. When the rotatableportion is moved to the locked position from the unlocked position, thearm urges a left end of the left lock rod to extend beyond the leftguide and enter the left rail.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates tointerconnecting structures that interconnect panels of a retractablecover system that is adapted to cover a pickup truck box when in adeployed configuration and is also adapted to retract to a stowedconfiguration. The retractable cover system includes a first rail, asecond rail, a plurality of panels, and at least one connectingstructure. The plurality of panels extends along a width between a firstside and a second side. The first side is supported by the first railand the second side is supported by the second rail. Each of the panelsextends along a respective length between a respective front and arespective back. The panels of adjacent pairs of the panels arepivotally attached to one another at a corresponding pivot of aplurality of pivots. The at least one connecting structure structurallyconnects the panels of at least one of the adjacent pairs of the panelswhen the retractable cover system is in the deployed configuration anddoes not connect the panels of the at least one of the adjacent pairs ofthe panels when the retractable cover system is in the stowedconfiguration.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left-rear perspective view of a retractable cover system forcovering an opening of a pickup truck box according to the principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial left-rear perspective view of a portion ofthe retractable cover system of FIG. 1, an end gate of the pickup truckbox is further shown in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a right-rear perspective view of the retractable cover systemof FIG. 1 in an extended configuration;

FIG. 4 is a mostly rear perspective view of the retractable cover systemof FIG. 1 in the extended configuration;

FIG. 5 is a right-rear perspective view of the retractable cover systemof FIG. 1 in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 6 is a left-side elevation view of the retractable cover system ofFIG. 1 in the stowed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the retractable cover system of FIG. 1 inthe stowed configuration;

FIG. 8 is an exploded front-right perspective view of an underside of apanel assembly of the retractable cover system of FIG. 1 in the extendedconfiguration;

FIG. 9 is an exploded left-rear perspective view of the panel assemblyof FIG. 8 in the extended configuration;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 in theextended configuration;

FIG. 11 is a right-side elevation view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8in the extended configuration;

FIG. 12 is a partial left-side elevation view illustrating hingingmovement between panels of the panel assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a left-side partially cross-sectioned elevation view of thepanel assembly of FIG. 8 with the panels of FIG. 12 further hinged;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a partial right-rear perspective view of the panel assemblyof FIG. 8 illustrating various guide elements;

FIG. 16 is a partial right-front perspective view of a rail system ofthe retractable cover system of FIG. 1 and further illustrates a firstpath of the retractable cover system;

FIG. 17 is a partial right-front perspective view of the rail system ofFIG. 16, but illustrating a second path of the retractable cover systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the underside of the panelassembly of FIG. 8 illustrating a first joint type of the retractablecover system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the first jointtype of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 9, further illustrating the firstjoint type of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 8, further illustrating the firstjoint type of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a partial side elevation view of a first panel and a secondpanel of the panels of FIG. 12 before they are connected by the firstjoint type of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is the partial side elevation view of FIG. 22, but with a firstmember assembled to the first panel and a seal assembled to the secondpanel and positioned between the first and the second panels in acompressed state;

FIG. 24 is the partial side elevation view of FIG. 23, but with asubassembly including a second member and a shaft assembled to thesecond panel, thereby completing the assembly of the first joint type ofFIG. 18 between and to the first and the second panels of FIG. 22; FIG.24 is also an enlarged portion of FIG. 11 and shows the seal of FIG. 23overlaid, but in an uncompressed state;

FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view showing the underside of the panelassembly of FIG. 8 with the first member of FIG. 23 attached to thefirst panel by rivets;

FIG. 26 is the partial perspective view of FIG. 25, but with thesubassembly of FIG. 24 assembled to the second panel by additionalrivets thereby completing the first joint type of FIG. 18;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the first joint type of FIG. 18;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the subassembly of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the subassembly of FIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a guide elementbefore being press fit onto the shaft of FIG. 24 in the context of thesubassembly of FIG. 24;

FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the underside of the panelassembly of FIG. 8 illustrating a second joint type of the retractablecover system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the second jointtype of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 9, further illustrating thesecond joint type of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 21, butillustrating the second joint type of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a partial side elevation view of the first panel and thesecond panel of FIG. 22 before they are connected by the second jointtype of FIG. 31, the second joint type of FIG. 31 being connected toopposite ends of the first panel and the second panel of FIG. 22 as thefirst joint type of FIG. 18;

FIG. 36 is the partial side elevation view of FIG. 35, but with a firstmember assembled to the first panel;

FIG. 37 is the partial side elevation view of FIG. 36, but with asubassembly including a second member and a shaft assembled to thesecond panel, thereby completing the assembly of the second joint typeof FIG. 31 between and to the first and the second panels of FIG. 22;FIG. 37 is also an enlarged portion of FIG. 11;

FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view showing the underside of the panelassembly of FIG. 8 with the first member of FIG. 36 attached to thefirst panel by additional rivets;

FIG. 39 is the partial perspective view of FIG. 38, but with thesubassembly of FIG. 37 assembled to the second panel by additionalrivets thereby completing the second joint type of FIG. 31;

FIG. 40 is a plan view of the second joint type of FIG. 31;

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of the subassembly of FIG. 37;

FIG. 42 is a plan view of the subassembly of FIG. 37;

FIG. 43 is a partial left-rear perspective view of the panel assembly ofFIG. 8 illustrating a third joint type that is similar to the secondjoint type of FIG. 31;

FIG. 44 is a partial right-front perspective view of the underside ofthe panel assembly of FIG. 8 further illustrating the third joint typeof FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the third joint type ofFIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is an exploded left-rear perspective view similar to FIG. 33,but illustrating the third joint type of FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIGS. 21 and 34, butillustrating the third joint type of FIG. 43;

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of a subassembly of the thirdjoint type of FIG. 43 that is similar to the subassembly of FIG. 37;

FIG. 49 is a plan view of the subassembly of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcement bracket andguide element mount assembly used at a rearmost position of theretractable cover system;

FIG. 51 is a plan view of the reinforcement bracket and guide elementmount assembly of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the reinforcementbracket and guide element mount assembly of FIG. 50 installed at therearmost position;

FIG. 53 is a bottom plan view illustrating a notch arrangement in thefirst and the second panels of FIG. 22;

FIG. 54 is a bottom plan view illustrating another notch arrangement inthe first and the second panels of FIG. 22;

FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional left side elevation viewillustrating the seal of FIG. 23 positioned between the first and thesecond panels of FIG. 22 with the first and the second panels joined bythe second joint type of FIG. 31 thereby positioning a joint pivot axisabove top surfaces of the first and the second panels;

FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional left side elevation viewillustrating the seal of FIG. 23 positioned between the first and thesecond panels of FIG. 22 with the first and the second panels joined bythe first joint type of FIG. 18 thereby positioning a joint pivot axisbelow the top surfaces of the first and the second panels;

FIG. 57 is a partial cross-sectional side right elevation viewillustrating the seal of FIG. 23 positioned between the first and thesecond panels of FIG. 22 with the panels in the extended configuration,the seal being compressed by the first and the second panels and theseal including a top surface that is substantially co-planar with thetop surfaces of the first and the second panels;

FIG. 58 is a partial perspective view illustrating a quick releasesystem of the retractable cover system of FIG. 1 with the quick releasesystem in a released configuration;

FIG. 59 is a partial perspective view of the quick released system ofFIG. 58 with the quick release system in an attached configuration;

FIG. 60 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 7 illustrating a lateral guidesystem for the retractable cover system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 61 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 4 further illustrating thelateral guide system of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 is a broken rear perspective view of the retractable coversystem of FIG. 1 illustrating an initial installation of rails of theretractable cover system before a final adjustment;

FIG. 63 is similar to the broken rear perspective view of FIG. 62 butwith the rails now positioned at a final position;

FIG. 64 is a right-rear-bottom perspective view illustrating a rampsystem of the retractable cover system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 65 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a front elevation view of the ramp assembly of FIG. 64 in anadjusted position;

FIG. 67 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 66;

FIG. 68 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 6 illustrating a lock assemblypositioned partially into a recess of a panel and further illustratingthe panel assembly of FIG. 8 compactly arranged in the stowedconfiguration of FIG. 5;

FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating lockrods of the lock assembly of FIG. 68 and their position with respect tothe rails of FIG. 62;

FIGS. 70-73 are a series of cross-sectional images of a seal deformingbetween two folding panels as the two folding panels fold into oneanother about a hinge-line positioned below top surfaces of the twofolding panels, according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 74-80 are a series of cross-sectional images of the seal of FIGS.70-73 deforming between two folding panels as the two folding panelsfold into one another about a hinge-line positioned above top surfacesof the two folding panels, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 furtherillustrating interlocking structures for interlocking panel pairs of thepanel assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure,the interlocking structures shown in a decoupled configuration;

FIG. 82 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is an exploded portion of FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a partial top plan partial cross-sectional view of theinterlocking structures of FIG. 81 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 furtherillustrating the interlocking structures of FIG. 81;

FIG. 86 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 85 illustrating the interlockingstructures of FIG. 81 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 87 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 81 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 81 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 81 shown in an engaged configuration;

FIG. 90 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 81 shown in the engaged configuration;

FIG. 91 is a partial exploded perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 81 shown in the engaged configuration;

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 furtherillustrating other interlocking structures for interlocking panel pairsof the panel assembly according to the principles of the presentdisclosure, the interlocking structures shown in a decoupledconfiguration;

FIG. 93 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 92 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 94 is a partial exploded perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 92 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 95 is a plan view of the interlocking structures of FIG. 92 shownin the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 96 is a perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 furtherillustrating the interlocking structures of FIG. 92;

FIG. 97 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 92 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 92 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 92 shown in an engaged configuration;

FIG. 100 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 92 shown in the engaged configuration;

FIG. 101 is a partial exploded perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 92 shown in the engaged configuration;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional side view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8further illustrating still other interlocking structures forinterlocking a panel pair of the panel assembly according to theprinciples of the present disclosure, the interlocking structures shownin a decoupled configuration;

FIG. 103 is a perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 furtherillustrating the interlocking structures of FIG. 102 shown in thedecoupled configuration;

FIG. 104 is a partial exploded perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 102 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 105 is a plan view of the interlocking structures of FIG. 102 shownin the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 106 is a perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 furtherillustrating the interlocking structures of FIG. 102;

FIG. 107 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 102 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structuresof FIG. 102 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structuresof FIG. 102 shown in an engaged configuration;

FIG. 110 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 102 shown in the engaged configuration;

FIG. 111 is a partial exploded perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 102 shown in the engaged configuration;

FIG. 112 is a perspective view of the retractable cover system of FIG. 1further illustrating yet other interlocking structures for interlockinga panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 8 to a front cross-member of theretractable cover system according to the principles of the presentdisclosure, the interlocking structures shown in a decoupledconfiguration;

FIG. 113 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 112 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 114 is another partial perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 112 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 115 is a partial exploded perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 112 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 116 is still another partial perspective view of the interlockingstructures of FIG. 112 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 117 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structuresof FIG. 112 shown in the decoupled configuration;

FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structuresof FIG. 112 shown in a transitioning configuration;

FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional side view of the interlocking structuresof FIG. 112 shown in an engaged configuration; and

FIG. 120 is a partial perspective view of the interlocking structures ofFIG. 112 shown in the engaged configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

According to the principles of the present disclosure, a retractablecover system includes various improvements and refinements overretractable cover systems that are known in the prior art.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a pickup truck 70 is illustrated with aretractable cover system 100 according to the principles of the presentdisclosure. In particular, the pickup truck 70 includes a cab 72 and apickup truck box 80 positioned behind the cab 72 and extending to a rearend of the pickup truck 70. The pickup truck box 80 extends between aforward end 82 and a rearward end 84 of the pickup truck box 80. Theforward end 82 and the rearward end 84 are therefore spaced apart alonga fore-aft direction 108. The rearward end 84 may be covered by an endgate 98, as illustrated at FIG. 2. The pickup truck box 80 includes aright side 86 r and an opposite left side 86 l. The right side 86 r andthe left side 86 l are spaced along a transverse direction 109. A frontside 88 of the pickup truck box 80 may extend between the right side 86r and the left side 86 l. Likewise, the end gate 98, when in a closedposition, may extend between the right side 86 r and the left side 86 l.

The right side 86 r, the left side 86 l, the front side 88, and the endgate 98 may each form a wall that defines the pickup truck box 80. Thewalls may extend generally upwardly from a bed 92 of the pickup truckbox 80 to a generally common top side of the walls. The top side of thewalls may extend around a perimeter when the end gate 98 is in theclosed position and thereby define an opening 90 of the pickup truck box80. The end gate 98 may define a rear opening 96 when either opened orremoved from the pickup truck box 80. The pickup truck box 80 mayfurther include a pair of wheel wells 94 that are generally adjacent thebed 92 and extend upwardly over a portion of the left side 86 l and theright side 86 r.

The retractable cover system 100 includes a panel assembly 101 that isconfigurable in a deployed configuration 102 and a stowed configuration104. The retractable cover system 100 includes an interface system 105that generally interfaces with the pickup truck box 80 and provides asupport structure for the panel assembly 101.

As illustrated at FIG. 64, the interface system 105 includes a frontcross-member 130, a right rail 110 r, a left rail 110 l, a right rampstructure 400 r, and a left ramp structure 400 l. The front cross-member130 is generally positioned adjacent the front side 88 of the pickuptruck box 80. The right rail 110 r is generally positioned along a topof the right side 86 r and extends from the front cross-member 130 tothe end gate 98 when the end gate 98 is at the closed position. The leftrail 110 l is generally positioned along a top of the left side 86 l andextends from the front cross-member 130 to the end gate 98 when the endgate 98 is at the closed position. The panel assembly 101 is pivotallyattached to the interface system 105. In particular, a panel 152 ispivotally attached to the interface system 105 at a quick-attach system600, as illustrated at FIGS. 58 and 59. The quick-attach system 600defines an axis A0 about which the panel 152 is pivotally attached tothe interface system 105 (see FIGS. 58 and 59).

The panel assembly 101 is further supported by the right rail 110 r andthe left rail 110 l. In particular, the panel assembly 101 includes aseries of guide elements 330 that are supported by the right rail 110 rand the left rail 110 l. The guide elements 330 generally allow movementalong the fore-aft direction 108 by the panel assembly 101. Inparticular, a set of inner guide elements 330 i of the guide elements330 follow a path 106B, as illustrated at FIG. 16. The path 106B extendsalong the right rail 110 r and/or the left rail 110 l along the fore-aftdirection 108 until the right ramp structure 400 r or the left rampstructure 400 l is reached. Upon reaching the ramp structures 400 r, 400l, the inner guide elements 330 i follow the right ramp structure 400 ror the left ramp structure 400 l, as illustrated at FIG. 16. The panelassembly 101 further includes a set of outer guide elements 330 o of theguide elements 330 that generally move along the right rail 110 r andthe left rail 110 l along the fore-aft direction 108. In particular, asillustrated at FIG. 17, the outer guide elements 330 o follow a path106A along their length of travel along the right rail 110 r or the leftrail 110 l. A gap 112 in each of the right rail 110 r and the left rail110 l allows the path 106B to diverge from the path 106A, as illustratedat FIGS. 16 and 17. The outer guide elements 330 o do not enter the gap112 and thereby continue traveling along the right rail 110 r and theleft rail 110 l along the fore-aft direction 108. The inner guideelements 330 i fall within the gap 112 and thereby enter the right rampstructure 400 r or the left ramp structure 400 l. The guide elements 330may run in a track 110 t of the right rail 110 r or the left rail 110 l(see FIG. 61). The inner guide elements 330 i may run in a track 400 tof the right ramp structure 400 r or the left ramp structure 400 l, uponreaching the ramp structures 400 r, 400 l (see FIGS. 6, 16, and 17).

According to the principles of the present disclosure, the panelassembly 101 includes the panel 152, one or more of a panel 154, one ormore of a panel 156, and a panel 158 (see FIG. 3). The panel 158 isincluded at an aft end 101 a of the panel assembly 101. In certainembodiments, as illustrated at FIG. 3, the panel assembly 101 mayinclude six or more of the panels 152, 154, 156, 158. In theseembodiments, the panel 152 is pivotally connected to the interfacesystem 105 at a forward end 101 f of the panel assembly 101. In turn,the panel 154 is pivotally connected to the panel 152. In turn, thepanel 156 is pivotally connected to the panel 154. In turn, another ofthe panel 154 may be pivotally connected to the panel 156. In turn,another of the panel 156 may be pivotally connected to the precedingpanel 154. Additional extensions to the panel assembly 101 may be madeby adding pairs of the panel 154 and the panel 156. Upon the last pairof the panels 154 and 156 being added, the panel 158 is pivotallyattached to the last of the panels 156. According to the principles ofthe present disclosure, the panels 154 may be substantially identical toeach other, and the panels 156 may be substantially identical to eachother.

In other embodiments, only four of the panels 152, 154, 156, 158 may beused in the panel assembly 101. In particular, the panel 152 may bepivotally connected to the interface system 105, the panel 154 may bepivotally connected to the panel 152, the panel 156 may be pivotallyattached to the panel 154, and, finally, the panel 158 may be pivotallyattached to the panel 156. As will be discussed and illustratedhereinafter, various features of the panels 152, 154, 156, 158 of thepanel assembly 101 may be repeated to take advantage of common and/orsimilar parts, common spacings, common diameters, common sizes, commonoffsets, and other common features.

In order to assist the panel 152 in reaching the extended configuration102, a pair of actuators 180 may be positioned between the panel 152 andthe right ramp structure 400 r and the left ramp structure 400 l,respectively, as illustrated at FIG. 5. As depicted, the actuators 180each include a gas charged cylinder that is configured to extend. Thus,at the stowed configuration 104, the actuators 180 urge the panelassembly 101 to remain in the stowed configuration 104. As the panelassembly 101 is moved to the deployed configuration 102, the panelassembly 101 is held at the deployed configuration 102 by the actuators180.

Turning now to FIGS. 18-29, a joint 200A, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure, is illustrated. The joint 200A is an embodimentof a pivoting joint 200. The joint 200A may be a first joint type of thepanel assembly 101. As illustrated at FIGS. 13 and 18, the joint 200A isused to pivotally connect the panel 156 with the panel 154. Asillustrated at FIG. 20, the joint 200A includes a first member 210A thatis connected to a first panel 156 by a connecting arrangement 360, 360₁. As the first member 210A is connected to the first panel 156, theyare one kinematic body and move kinematically together. Likewise, thejoint 200A includes a second member 240A that is attached to a secondpanel 154 by a connecting arrangement 360, 360 ₂. As the second member240A is connected to the second panel 154, they are one kinematic bodyand move kinematically together. As depicted at FIG. 21, the joint 200Aincludes a shaft 270A that extends between a first end 272A and a secondend 274A. As depicted, one of the guide elements 330 is positioned atthe second end 274A of the shaft 270A. The shaft 270A thereby positionsthe guide element 330 in the transverse direction 109 relative to thepanel assembly 101. In particular, a mounting surface 286 positioned atthe second end 274A presses into an inner race 332 of a guide element330A. As illustrated at FIG. 20, a shoulder 287 of the shaft 270A abutsagainst the inner race 332 to position the guide element 330A on theshaft 270A. The guide element 330A is a roller with a rotational axisA1. The joint 200A, as depicted, results in an axis A2 being positionedbelow a top surface 154 t of the panel 154 and below a top surface 156 tof the panel 156. The axis A2 is a pivot axis of the joint 200A. Asdepicted, the joint 200A positions the pivot axis A2 coaxially with therotational axis A1 of the guide element 330A.

As illustrated at FIG. 53, the panels 154 and 158 include a notch 702,and the panel 156 includes a notch 704. The notch 704 is adapted toreceive the first member 210A and allow the first member 210A to bemounted at an inside of a flange 714 of the panel 156. Likewise, thenotch 702 allows the second member 240A to be mounted at an inside of aflange 712 of the panel 154, 158. As illustrated at FIGS. 25 and 26, thenotch 702 further allows assembly of the joint 200A in between the panel154 or 158 and the panel 156. In the depicted embodiment, the shaft 270Ais sub-assembled to the second member 240A and thereby forms asubassembly 235A, as illustrated at FIGS. 28 and 29. In embodimentswithout protrusions 362, the subassembly 235A may be assembled as aright-hand or a left-hand subassembly by reversing the direction thatthe shaft 270A is assembled, respectively. In embodiments with theprotrusions 362, the second member 240A may be right-handed orleft-handed (e.g., with the protrusions 362 positioned on oppositesides) and used in a corresponding right-hand or left-hand subassembly235A. In addition, as illustrated at FIG. 30, the guide element 330A maybe further sub-assembled to the subassembly 235A. The guide element 330Amay be assembled before or after the first member 210A and/or the secondmember 240A are mounted to the flange 714 and/or 712. The guide element330A may be disassembled and reassembled (e.g., for servicing and/orreplacing the guide element 330A) without additional disassembly of thejoint 200A. As illustrated at FIGS. 20, 25, and 26, the subassembly 235Amay be inserted into the notch 702 and thereby tilted into position. Inparticular, the fastening arrangement 360 and the insertion of apivoting portion 278A of the shaft 270A into a pivot surface 212A of thefirst member 210A may require the subassembly 235A to be tilted intoposition in the depicted embodiment.

Turning now to FIGS. 31-42, a joint 200B, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure, is illustrated. The joint 200B is an embodimentof the pivoting joint 200. The joint 200B may be a second joint type ofthe panel assembly 101. As illustrated at FIGS. 13, 31, and 33, thejoint 200B is used to pivotally connect the panel 156 with the panel 154or 158. As illustrated at FIG. 33, the joint 200B includes a firstmember 210B that is connected to a first panel 156 by a connectingarrangement 360, 360 ₁. As the first member 210B is connected to thefirst panel 156, they are one kinematic body and move kinematicallytogether. Likewise, the joint 200B includes a second member 240B that isattached to a second panel 154 or 158 by a connecting arrangement 360,360 ₂. As the second member 240B is connected to the second panel 154 or158, they are one kinematic body and move kinematically together. Asdepicted at FIGS. 33 and 34, the joint 200B includes a shaft 270B thatextends between a first end 272B and a second end 274B. As depicted, oneof the guide elements 330 is positioned at a second end 304A of a shaft300A. The shaft 300A thereby positions the guide element 330 in thetransverse direction 109 relative to the panel assembly 101. Inparticular, a mounting surface 286 positioned at the second end 304Apresses into the inner race 332 of the guide element 330A. Asillustrated at FIGS. 20 and 33, a shoulder 287 of the shaft 300A abutsagainst the inner race 332 to position the guide element 330A on theshaft 300A. An axis A3 of the shaft 270B is offset from an axis A4 ofthe shaft 300A. The joint 200B, as depicted, results in the axis A3being positioned above the top surface 154 t of the panel 154, above thetop surface 156 t of the panel 156, and above a top surface 158 t of thepanel 158. The axis A3 is a pivot axis of the joint 200B. The axis A4 iscoaxial with the rotational axis A1 of the guide element 330A.

As illustrated at FIG. 54, the panel 154 includes a notch 702, and thepanels 152 and 156 include a notch 704. The notch 704 is adapted toreceive the first member 210B and allow the first member 210B to bemounted at the inside of the flange 714 of the panel 152. Likewise, thenotch 702 allows the second member 240B to be mounted at an inside ofthe flange 712 of the panel 154. As illustrated at FIGS. 38 and 39, thenotch 702 further allows assembly of the joint 200B in between the panel154 and the panel 156. In the depicted embodiment, the shafts 270B and300A are sub-assembled to the second member 240B and thereby form asubassembly 235B, as illustrated at FIGS. 32, 41, and 42. In embodimentswithout protrusions 362, the subassembly 235B may be assembled as aright-hand or a left-hand subassembly by reversing the direction thatthe shafts 270B and 300A are assembled, respectively. In embodimentswith the protrusions 362, the second member 240B may be right-handed orleft-handed (e.g., with the protrusions 362 positioned on oppositesides) and used in a corresponding right-hand or left-hand subassembly235B. The joining of the shaft 300A to the second member 240B mayinclude a weld portion 312A on the shaft 300A being welded to a weldportion 244A of the second member 240B. The joining of the shaft 300A tothe second member 240B may include a piloting portion 246 of the secondmember 240B receiving a pilot 310A of the shaft 300A. In addition, asillustrated at FIG. 32, the guide element 330A may be furthersub-assembled to the subassembly 235B. The guide element 330A may beassembled before or after the first member 210B and/or the second member240B are mounted to the flange 714 and/or 712. The guide element 330Amay be disassembled and reassembled (e.g., for servicing and/orreplacing the guide element 330A) without additional disassembly of thejoint 200B. As illustrated at FIGS. 33, 38, and 39, the subassembly 235Bmay be inserted into the notch 702 and thereby tilted into position. Inparticular, the fastening arrangement 360 and the insertion of apivoting portion 278B of the shaft 270B into a pivot surface 212B of thefirst member 210B may require the subassembly 235B to be tilted intoposition in the depicted embodiment.

Turning now to FIGS. 43-49, a joint 200C, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure, is illustrated. The joint 200C is an embodimentof the pivoting joint 200. The joint 200C may be a third joint type ofthe panel assembly 101. As illustrated at FIGS. 13 and 43, the joint200C is used to pivotally connect the panel 152 with the panel 154. Asillustrated at FIG. 46, the joint 200C includes a first member 210C thatis connected to a first panel 152 by a connecting arrangement 360, 360₁. As the first member 210C is connected to the first panel 152, theyare one kinematic body and move kinematically together. Likewise, thejoint 200C includes a second member 240C that is attached to a secondpanel 154 by a connecting arrangement 360, 360 ₂. As the second member240C is connected to the second panel 154, they are one kinematic bodyand move kinematically together. As depicted at FIG. 47, the joint 200Cincludes the shaft 270B (a shared part with the joint 200B) that extendsbetween the first end 272B and the second end 274B. The joint 200C doesnot include any guide elements 330. The first member 210C of the joint200C includes an opening 930 for a lock rod 920, 920 r, 920 l. The joint200C may be similar to the joint 200B except for the addition of theopening 930 and the deletion of the guide element 330 and its mount. Thejoint 200C, as depicted, results in the axis A3 being positioned abovethe top surface 152 t of the panel 152 and above the top surface 154 tof the panel 154. The axis A3 is a pivot axis of the joint 200C.

As mentioned above and as illustrated at FIG. 54, the panel 154 includesa notch 702, and the panel 152 includes a notch 704. The notch 704 isadapted to receive the first member 210C and allow the first member 210Cto be mounted at the inside of the flange 714 of the panel 152.Likewise, the notch 702 allows the second member 240C to be mounted atthe inside of the flange 712 of the panel 154. As illustrated at FIGS.45 and 46, the notch 702 further allows assembly of the joint 200C inbetween the panel 154 and the panel 152. In the depicted embodiment, theshaft 270B is sub-assembled to the second member 240C and thereby formsa subassembly 235C, as illustrated at FIGS. 48 and 49. In embodimentswithout protrusions 362, the subassembly 235C may be assembled as aright-hand or a left-hand subassembly by reversing the direction thatthe shaft 270B is assembled, respectively. In embodiments with theprotrusions 362, the second member 240C may be right-handed orleft-handed (e.g., with the protrusions 362 positioned on oppositesides) and used in a corresponding right-hand or left-hand subassembly235C. As illustrated at FIGS. 33, 38, and 39 (with the joint 200B), thesubassembly 235C may be inserted into the notch 702 and thereby tiltedinto position. In particular, the fastening arrangement 360 and theinsertion of the pivoting portion 278B of the shaft 270B into a pivotsurface 212B of the first member 210C may require the subassembly 235Cto be tilted into position in the depicted embodiment.

The joint 200 will now be described in detail. The joint 200 includesthe first member 210 that moves with the first panel. The first member210 includes the pivot surface 212 that forms part of the joint 200. Incertain embodiments, the first member 210 may be a separate part fromthe first panel. In other embodiments, the first member 210 may be partof the first panel. The joint 200 also includes the second member 240that moves with the second panel. In certain embodiments, the secondmember 240 may be a separate part from the second panel, and, in otherembodiments, the second member 240 may be part of the second panel.

The joint 200 also includes the shaft 270 that extends along the axisA2, A3 and includes a spacer portion 276, 276A, 276B that is positionedbetween the first member 210 and the second member 240. The shaft 270extends from a first end 272 to a second end 274 and further defines apivoting portion 278, 278A, 278B that engages the pivot surface 212,212A, 212B of the first member 210. The pivot surface 212 and thepivoting portion 278 provide for a pivoting action of the pivoting joint200. In preferred embodiments, the shaft is monolithic (i.e., onepiece).

The shaft 270 may be mounted to the second member 240 and thereby form asubassembly 235, 235A, 235B, 235C. The second member 240 may include apiloting portion 242, 242A, 242B (i.e., a hole), and the shaft 270 mayinclude a pilot 280, 280A, 280B (i.e., an outer diameter) that ismounted within the piloting portion 242. The shaft 270 and the secondmember 240 may be welded together. The shaft 270 thereby includes a weldportion 282, 282A, 282B that is welded to a weld portion 244, 244A, 244Bof the second member 240. Any conventional means may be used to weld theshaft 270 to the second member 240. In certain embodiments, the shaft270 includes a weld portion that resembles stud welded weld portionsthat are known in the art for stud welding studs (i.e., a threadedmember) to another member. Thus, a stud welding type process may be usedto weld the shaft 270 to the second member 240. The axis A2, A3 of theshaft 270 may form a pivoting axis of the joint 200.

As mentioned above, the joint 200 may be found in three configurationsof the joints 200A, 200B, and 200C on the retractable cover system 100.In the configuration of the joint 200A, the pivoting axis A2 ispositioned below the top surfaces 154 t, 156 t of the first and thesecond panels when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102. In the configuration of the joints 200B and 200C, thepivoting axis A3 is positioned above the top surfaces 152 t, 154 t, 156t, 158 t of the first and the second panels when the retractable coversystem 100 is in the extended configuration 102. As shown at FIG. 13,the joints 200 with the configuration of the joint 200A alternate withthe joints 200 with the configuration of the joints 200B and 200C. Thejoints 200 with the configuration of the joint 200A include the outerguide elements 330 o, and the joints 200 with the configuration of thejoint 200B include the inner guide elements 330 i. Thus, the joints 200Astay on the rails 110 r, 110 l, and the joints 200B engage the rampstructures 400 r, 400 l when the retractable cover system 100 is movedbetween the extended configuration 102 and the stowed configuration 104.

At various positions of the joints 200, the first member 210 may bepositioned generally behind the second member 240, and, in otherpositions, the second member 240 may be generally positioned behind thefirst member 210 when the retractable cover system 100 is in theextended configuration 102. In the depicted embodiment, the first member210 is an inner member, and the second member 240 is an outer member.

The pivot axes A2, A3 of the retractable cover system 100 may include apair of the joints 200 and thereby include a pair of the outer members240 that are each attached to the same second panel. Likewise, the pivotaxes A2, A3 may include a pair of the inner members 210 that are eachattached to the same first panel of the retractable cover system 100.The inner members 210 of the pair of the pivoting joints 200 arepositioned within the outer members 240 along the pivoting axis A2, A3.The inner members 210 are thereby trapped between the outer members 240,and the first panel is thereby trapped between the outer members 240.The pivoting portions 278 of the pair of the joints 200 may extendinwardly toward each other and extend inwardly through the pivotingsurfaces 212. Clearance may exist between the pair of the inner members210 and the pair of the outer members 240 that allows for manufacturingtolerances, smooth operation of the retractable cover system 100 (i.e.,resistance to binding), etc. However, the clearance between the pair ofthe inner members 210 and the pair of the outer members 240 is notsufficient to allow the first panel and the second panel to detach fromeach other at the pivoting joint. The clearance between the pair of theinner members 210 and the pair of the outer members 240 may allow thefirst and the second panels to move along the pivoting axis A2, A3relative to each other by a predetermined amount.

The pair of the joints 200 may include a right hand joint 200R and aleft hand joint 200L (see FIG. 10). The right hand joint 200R and theleft hand joint 200L may be mirror images of each other. The right handjoint 200R and the left hand joint 200L may substantially be mirrorimages of each other. The right hand joint 200R and the left hand joint200L may include one or more features and/or components that aresubstantially mirror images of each other. In certain embodiments, someor all components of the joints 200R, 200L (e.g., the first member 210,the second member 240A, the shaft 270, the guide element 330, etc.) maybe substantially identical from the right hand joint 200R and the lefthand joint 200L. Achieving a right hand configuration for the right handjoint 200R and a left hand configuration for the left hand joint 200Lmay be accomplished when assembling the components (e.g., the firstmember 210, the second member 240A, the shaft 270, the guide element330, etc.) together.

The retractable cover system 100 and various components (e.g., thepanels 150, etc.) may be symmetrical about a vertical center-plane ofthe pickup truck 70. The retractable cover system 100 may besubstantially symmetrical about the vertical center-plane of the pickuptruck 70. The retractable cover system 100 may include one or morefeatures and/or components that are substantially symmetrical about thevertical center-plane of the pickup truck 70. Certain components (e.g.,a locking system 900, the panel 152, etc.) may be non-symmetrical orpartially non-symmetrical about the vertical center-plane of the pickuptruck 70 while the remaining components may be symmetrical about thevertical center-plane of the pickup truck 70.

The shaft 270A of the pivoting joint 200A may be used to mount the guideelement 330 (i.e., the rolling element 330A). The guide element 330 mayguide the axis A2 of the shaft 270A and thereby the plurality of thepanels along the path 106A as the retractable cover system 100 is movedbetween the extended configuration 102 (i.e., a deployed configuration)and the stowed configuration 104 (i.e., a retracted configuration).

The guide elements 330 may be a separate piece that is mounted to theshaft 270A, 300. In preferred embodiments, the guide element 330 is aroller 330A and the shaft 270A, 300 includes a roller mount 284. Theinner race 332 of the roller 330A may be pressed fit onto the rollermount 284. In order to avoid the expense of press fitting a hole of aclose tolerance inner race to a close tolerance mounting surface, theinner race 332 of the roller 330A may be designed of a material that mayyield upon press fitting the hole of the inner race 332 to the rollermount 284. In certain embodiments, the roller mount 284 may have anominal diametral dimension Do of about one-quarter inch (see FIG. 30),and a diametral interference between the mounting surface 286 and thehole of the inner race 332 may be as large as 0.0065 inch. The 0.0065inch diametral interference may represent a maximum material conditionof the mounting surface 286 of the roller mount 284 and the hole of theinner race 332. The diametral interference between the mounting surface286 and the hole of the inner race 332 may be as low as 0.0005 inch andyet maintain a sufficient press fit to keep the roller 330A mounted onthe shaft 270A, 300 without additional fasteners, fastening elements,bonding agents, etc. In certain embodiments, a tolerance of an insidediameter of the hole of the inner race 332 may be a diameter Di that issized between 0.2465 inch and 0.2495 inch. In certain embodiments, thetolerance of the hole of the inner race 332 of the roller 330A may bethe diameter Di that is sized between 0.24975 inch and 0.25 inch. Atolerance of the mounting surface 286 of the shaft 270A, 300 may be theoutside diameter Do that is sized between 0.250 inch to 0.253 inch.Pressing the inner race 332 onto the mounting surface 286 may notnecessarily cause the inner race 332 to yield (e.g., in a minimummaterial condition of the inner race 332 and the roller mount 284).

According to the principles of the present disclosure, the guide element330 is not limited to rollers 330A. For example, the guide element 330may be a guide block 330B (see FIG. 15). The guide block 330B may notnecessarily rotate as the guide block 330B travels along the path 106A,106B.

The panels 152, 154, 156, and 158 will now be described in detail. Asthe panels 152, 154, 156, 158 have many features in common, a genericpanel 150 will be described with such common features (see FIGS. 3 and8). The top surfaces 152 t, 154 t, 156 t, 158 t are generically a topsurface 150 t of the panel 150 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 15, 19, 32, 45, 52, and55-57). As the panels 152 and 156 have certain features in common asinside panels, a generic inside panel 150 i will be described with suchcommon features. As the panels 154 and 158 have certain features incommon as outside panels, a generic outside panel 150 o will bedescribed with such common features.

The panel 150 is preferably made of sheet metal and cut from sheet metalstock into a pattern with sheet metal cutting tools. The pattern is thenformed by bending with bending sheet metal tools. In other embodiments,the panel 150 may be formed by extruding. In still other embodiments,other fabrication methods may be used to form the panel 150 (e.g.,molding, machining, welding, etc.). A combination of methods may be usedto form the panel 150. The panel 150 is preferably made of aluminumsheet metal of a thickness Tp (see FIG. 108) and powder coated afterforming. In certain embodiments, the thickness Tp may range from about0.063 inch to about 0.08 inch. In certain embodiments, the thickness Tpis about 0.63 inch for the panels 152, 154, and 156. In certainembodiments, the thickness Tp is about 0.08 inch for the panel 158. Inother embodiments, the panel 150 may be made from other materialsincluding steel, fiberglass, plastic, other metals, etc. and/or at otherthicknesses Tp.

As illustrated at FIGS. 8 and 22, the panel 150 extends a length L froma first end 162 (i.e., a front end) to a second end 164 (i.e., a rearend). In certain embodiments, the length L may range from about 6.985inches to about 12.872 inches. In preferred embodiments, the lengths Lof the panel assembly 101 are substantially the same across all of thepanels 150 of the given panel assembly 101.

As illustrated at FIGS. 57, 89, 99, 108, and 119, the ends 162, 164 mayinclude a C-channel feature 166 that opens inwardly on the panel 150.The C-channel feature may extend a distance Lv from a top leg 166 t to abottom leg 166 b along and connected by a vertical leg 166 v (see FIG.99). In certain embodiments, the length Lv may range from about 0.6875inch to about 1 inch. In certain embodiments, the length Lv may rangefrom about 0.6875 inch to about 1.112 inch. In certain embodiments, thelength Lv is a length Lv1 of about 0.6875 inch for the panels 152, 154,and 156 (see FIG. 108). In certain embodiments, the length Lv is alength Lv2 of about 1 inch for the panel 158 (see FIG. 108). In certainembodiments, the length Lv2 is about 1 inch for a forward end of thepanel 158, and the length Lv2 is about 1.112 inch for a rearward end ofthe panel 158. In preferred embodiments, the lengths Lv1 of the panelassembly 101 are substantially the same across all of the panels 152,154, and 156 of the given panel assembly 101. In preferred embodiments,the lengths Lv2 of the panel assembly 101 are substantially the same atthe front and the rear of the panel 158 of the given panel assembly 101.The C-channel feature 166 may substantially stiffen and strengthen thepanel 150. The C-channel feature 166 may provide a mounting surface 168for a seal 500 (see FIG. 55). The C-channel feature 166 may provide asealing surface 170 for the seal 500 (see FIGS. 55 and 57). TheC-channel feature 166 may include one or more bend radius R. Asillustrated at FIG. 15, the second end 164 of the panel 158 may furtherinclude a protective lip structure 166 l in addition to the C-channelfeature 166. In other embodiments, other suitable structures may besubstituted for the C-channel feature 166.

As illustrated at FIG. 8, the panel 150 extends a width W from a rightside 172 r (i.e., a first side) to a left side 172 l (i.e., a secondside). In certain embodiments, the width W may range from about 41.445inches to about 58.263 inches. In certain embodiments, a width of thepanel assembly 101 is substantially defined by the width W of theoutside panels 150 o, and the width W of the inside panels 150 i isnarrower than the width W of the outside panels 150 o (see FIG. 3).

As illustrated at FIG. 31, the sides 172 r, 172 l may include anL-feature 174 with a leg 176 that extends downwardly on the panel 150.The L-feature 174 may substantially stiffen and strengthen the panel150. In other embodiments, other suitable structures may be substitutedfor the L-feature 174. The flange 712, 714 may be included on theL-feature 174, and the L-feature 174 may thereby provide a mountingsurface 178 for the first member 210 on the inside panels 150 i and forthe second member 240 on the outside panels 150 o (see FIG. 18). TheL-feature 174 may include one or more of the bend radius R (see FIG.19).

As illustrated at FIG. 57, the L-feature 174 may extend downwardlyfarther than the C-channel feature 166 on the panel 150. As illustratedat FIGS. 14 and 31, the legs 176 of two adjacent panels 150 (i.e., aninside panel 150 i and an outside panel 150 o) overlap each other whenthe retractable cover system 100 is in the stowed configuration 104thereby allowing the longer legs 176.

As illustrated at FIG. 20, the legs 176 are adapted to attach to thefastening arrangement 360. In particular, a pair of holes 364 is adaptedto receive a pair of the protrusions 362 (e.g. upset protrusions) of thefirst member 210 or the second member 240. As depicted, the holes 364are round holes and the protrusions 362 are round protrusions. In otherembodiments, the holes 364 and the protrusions 362 may be non-round(e.g., slot shaped, obround, etc.) and/or may be a single hole, asillustrated by a protrusion 624 and a slot 634 at FIG. 59. A pair ofholes 368 may be further included on the legs 176 that is adapted toreceive a pair of fasteners 366. In the depicted embodiment, the pair offasteners 366 is a pair of rivets. In other embodiments, other fastenersmay be used and/or one or more of the fastener 366 may be used. Asdepicted, the fastening arrangement 360 includes the pair of the holes364 engaging the pair of the protrusions 362, the pair of the holes 368aligning with a pair of holes 370 on the first member 210 or the secondmember 240, and the pair of the fasteners 366 inserted through andfastening the pairs of the holes 368, 370. Any shear loads between thefirst member 210 or the second member 240 and the respective panel 150are substantially carried by the pair of the protrusions 362 engagingthe pair of the holes 364. The pair of the fasteners 366 compresses thefirst member 210 or the second member 240 and the respective panel 150together and thereby keeps the pair of the protrusions 362 engaged withthe pair of the holes 368.

As depicted, boundaries of the panel 150 are defined by the C-channelfeature 166 at the ends 162, 164, by the legs 176 at the sides 172 r,172 l, by the top surface 150 t, and by bottoms of the legs 176 at abottom of the panel 150. No tabs or other protruding features extendbeyond these boundaries in the depicted embodiment. This providesadvantages when shipping, storing, and handling the panel 150 asprotruding tabs or other protruding features are vulnerable to damageand increase a size of volume that is stored, packaged, shipped, etc.

A layered arrangement of the pivoting joint 200 with respect to thetransverse direction 109 will now be described in detail. As illustratedat FIG. 14, the pivoting joint 200 may be arranged in an orderedsequence 190. The first member 210 is located at a first position 192,the leg 176 of the first panel 150 i is located at a second position194, the second member 240 is located at a third position 196, and theleg 176 of the second panel 150 o is located at a fourth position 198.The fourth position 198 is positioned outward on the retractable coversystem 100 from the first position 192. The pivot surface 212 of thefirst member 210 is thereby positioned inward on the retractable coversystem 100 from the spacer portion 276 of the shaft 270. As furtherillustrated at FIGS. 22, 25, and 26, the spacer portion 276 of the shaft270 may be positioned partially within a relief portion 372 of the firstpanel 156, 150 i. The spacer portion 276 spaces the second member 240from the first panel 150 i and thereby allows the first panel 150 i andthe second panel 150 o to pivot about the axis A2, A3 of the shaft 270without the first member 210 and/or the first panel 150 i contacting thesecond member 240 and/or the second panel 150 o. In the depictedembodiment, a fastener flange 367 of the fastener 366 is arranged in theordered sequence 190 between the second position 194 and the thirdposition 196. The spacer portion 276 spaces the second member 240 fromthe first panel 150 i and thereby allows the first panel 150 i and thesecond panel 150 o to pivot about the axis A2, A3 of the shaft 270without interference from the fastener flange 367. The fastener flange367 may be included on the fastener 366 that joins the first member 210to the first panel 150 i. The fastener flange 367 may be included on thefastener 366 that joins the second member 240 to the second panel 150 o.The first panel 150 i may include the first notch 704 (see FIG. 53) toreceive the first member 210 at the first position 192 and may furtherinclude the first leg 176 of the first panel 150 i at the secondposition 194. The second panel 150 o may include the second leg 176 atthe fourth position 198 and may further include the second notch 702(see FIG. 53) to receive the first member 210 at the first position 192,the spacer portion 276 of the shaft 270 at the second position 194, andthe second member 240 at the third position 196. The second notch 702may further receive a portion of the spacer portion 276 of the shaft 270between the second position 194 and the third position 196. Rotating thesub-assembly 235 away from the second leg 176 of the second panel 150 omay allow the protrusion 362 of the second member 240 to be insertedinto the hole 364 of the second panel 150 o. Rotating the sub-assembly235 away from the second leg 176 of the second panel 150 o may allow thepair of the protrusions 362 of the second member 240 to be insertedrespectively into the pair of the holes 364 of the second panel 150 o.

In certain embodiments, the pivoting joint 200 may not be disassembledafter the connecting arrangements 360 ₁ and 360 ₂ have fastened thefirst member 210 and the second member 240 to the panels 150 withoutyielding at least one of the components (e.g., the panel 150, the firstmember 210, the second member 240, etc.). As mentioned above, the panels150 are preferably made from aluminum and powder coated after forming.The remaining structural components (e.g., the first member 210, thesecond member 240, the rivets 366, etc.) are preferably made of steelwith a corrosion resistant coating. The ordered sequence 190 structureof the pivoting joint 200 mirrored with an opposing ordered sequence 190structure of the opposing pivoting joint 200 has been found to be robustand resistant to failure and unwanted disconnection.

Turning now to FIGS. 2, 15, 55-57, 61-63, and 70-80, a sealing system490 for the retractable cover system 100 is illustrated according to theprinciples of the present disclosure. The sealing system 490 includesthe seal 500 and at least one longitudinal seal 560. The seal 500 isadapted to seal the first panel 150 i and the second panel 150 o at thejoints 200A, 200B, 200C and a joint between the panel 152 and the frontcross-member 130 when the retractable cover system 100 is in theextended configuration 102. The first panel 150 i, the second panel 150o, and the seal 500 substantially extend between the sides 86 r and 86 lof the pickup truck box 80. The seal 500 includes a top 502 (see FIGS.56 and 57) that extends between the C-channel feature 166 of the firstand the second panels 150 i, 150 o. The top 502 is substantiallyco-planar with the top surfaces 152 t, 154 t, 156 t, 158 t of the firstand the second panels 150 i, 150 o when the retractable cover system 100is in the extended configuration 102. The at least one longitudinal seal560 extends along the fore-aft direction 108. The longitudinal seal 560is in sealing contact with the top surfaces 152 t, 154 t, 156 t, 158 tof the panels 150 and the top 502 of the seal 500 when the retractablecover system 100 is in the extended configuration 102. The sealingsystem 490 may further include a seal 580 for sealing the retractablecover system 100 to the end gate 98 of the pickup truck box 80 (seeFIGS. 2 and 15). The seal 580 substantially extends between the sides 86r and 86 l of the pickup truck box 80. The seal 580 includes a firstside 582 that is attached to the end panel 158 of the retractable coversystem 100, a top side 584 that is adjacent the guard lip 166 l of theend panel 158, and a second side 586 that is adapted for sealing contactwith the end gate 98 when the retractable cover system 100 is in theextended configuration 102 and the end gate 98 is in the closedposition.

As the sealing system 490 includes the longitudinal seal 560 being insealing contact with the top 502 of the seal 500 when the retractablecover system 100 is in the extended configuration 102, the top 502 ofthe seal 500 should be sufficiently flat and co-planar with the topsurfaces 152 t, 154 t, 156 t, 158 t of the first and the second panels150 i, 150 o when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102. Therefore, the seal 500 is specially designed toachieve a sufficient degree of flatness and co-planarness, as will bedescribed in detail below. To achieve the flatness of the top surfaces152 t, 154 t, 156 t, 158 t of the panels 150 and the top 502 of the seal500 when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102, the bend radius R of the C-channel feature 166 ispreferably covered by a radius covering portion 554, 556 of the seal 500(see FIG. 57). A certain deviation 558 from the flatness and theco-planarness may be accommodated by the longitudinal seal 560. The seal500 may achieve the sufficient degree of the flatness and theco-planarness even though the panels 150 rotate with respect to eachother about the axes A2, A3 which are close to the seal. In the depictedembodiment, the axis A2 is positioned within about 0.72 inch below thetop 502 of the seal 500 and the top surfaces 150 t of the panels 150when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extended configuration102. In the depicted embodiment, the axis A3 is positioned within about0.094 inch above the top 502 of the seal 500 and the top surfaces 150 tof the panels 150 when the retractable cover system 100 is in theextended configuration 102.

In other embodiments, the axis A2 may be positioned within about 1.25inch below the top 502 of the seal 500 and the top surfaces 150 t of thepanels 150 when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102. In other embodiments, the axis A3 is positionedwithin about 0.2 inch above the top 502 of the seal 500 and the topsurfaces 150 t of the panels 150 when the retractable cover system 100is in the extended configuration 102.

According to the principles of the present disclosure, the positions ofthe axes A2 and A3 may be standardized throughout the panel assembly101. Thus, in preferred embodiments, all of the axes A2 are positionedbelow the top 502 of the seal 500 and/or the top surfaces 150 t of thepanels 150 by substantially a same distance when the retractable coversystem 100 is in the extended configuration 102. Thus, in preferredembodiments, all of the axes A3 are positioned above the top 502 of theseal 500 and/or the top surfaces 150 t of the panels 150 bysubstantially a same distance when the retractable cover system 100 isin the extended configuration 102. Thus, in preferred embodiments, allof the axes A2 are positioned at a same elevation when the retractablecover system 100 is in the extended configuration 102. Thus, inpreferred embodiments, all of the axes A3 are positioned at a sameelevation when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102.

As depicted, the seal 500 includes a first side 518 that is attached tothe C-channel feature 166 of the first panel 150 i, a second side 508that is in sealing contact with the C-channel feature 166 of the secondpanel 150 o when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102, and the top 502. The top 502 extends between thefirst side 518 and the second side 508 and is substantially co-planarwith the top surfaces 150 t of the first panel 150 i and the secondpanel 150 o when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102. The second side 508 pivots away from the second panel150 o about the pivot axis A2, A3 when the retractable cover system 100is moved from the extended configuration 102 toward the stowedconfiguration 104. The second side 508 pivots toward the second panel150 o about the pivot axis A2, A3 when the retractable cover system 100is moved from the stowed configuration 104 toward the extendedconfiguration 102. As depicted, the seal 500 is a bulb seal and includesa hollow interior 524. As depicted, the seal 500 is a compression seal.

In certain embodiments, the top 502 of the seal 500 is co-planar withthe top surfaces 150 t of the first and the second panels 150 i, 150 owithin 0.025 inch when the retractable cover system 100 is in theextended configuration 102. In other embodiments, the top 502 of theseal 500 is co-planar with the top surfaces 150 t of the first and thesecond panels 150 i, 150 o within 0.04 inch when the retractable coversystem 100 is in the extended configuration 102. In certain preferredembodiments, cross-sectional voids (e.g., the deviations 558) that mayresult from non-perfect co-planarness are within about 0.0008 squareinch. In certain embodiments, cross-sectional voids that may result fromnon-perfect co-planarness are within about 0.0035 square inch.

As illustrated at FIG. 56, the seal 500 includes a support structure 530for supporting the second side 508 of the seal 500 when the second side508 pivotally scrubs against the second panel 150 o. The supportstructure 530 thereby holds the top 502 of the seal 500 substantiallyco-planar with the top surfaces 150 t of the first and the second panels150 i, 150 o when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102. The support structure 530 may include a thickening ofa wall 518 w of the first side 518 as the first side 518 extends towarda bottom 512 of the seal 500. The first side 518 and the second side 508may be connected via the bottom 512. The support structure 530 mayinclude a thickening of a wall 508 w of the second side 508 as thesecond side 508 extends toward the bottom of the seal 500. The bottom512 of the seal 500 may extend between the first side 518 and the secondside 508. A curved portion 510 may transition the bottom 512 and thesecond side 508 of the seal 500.

The curved portion 510 may be adapted to interface with the second panel150 o when the second side 508 pivotally scrubs against the second panel150 o thereby positioning the top 502 of the seal 500 substantiallyco-planar with the top surfaces 150 t of the first and the second panels150 i, 150 o when the retractable cover system 100 is in the extendedconfiguration 102.

As illustrated at FIG. 56, the seal 500 includes a variety of otherfeatures that will now be described. A corner 504 between the top 502and the second side 508 is adapted to cover at least a portion of thebend radius R as it transforms to the radius covering portion 554, asillustrated at FIG. 57. A similar corner 504′ is illustrated at FIG. 70that includes a protrusion. The corner An undercut 506′ (see FIG. 70)may be included adjacent the corner 504 on the second side 508 to adaptthe corner 504 to cover the bend radius R. A corner 514 is includedbetween the bottom 512 and the first side 518. The corner 514 mayinclude a protrusion. An undercut 516 may be included adjacent thecorner 514 on the first side 518. A corner 522 between the top 502 andthe first side 518 is adapted to cover at least a portion of the bendradius R as it transforms to the radius covering portion 556, asillustrated at FIG. 57. As depicted, the corner 522 includes aprotrusion. An undercut 520 may be included adjacent the corner 522 onthe first side 518. As depicted, the hollow interior 524 may include avertex 526 near the bottom 512. The vertex 526 may form a portion of thesupport structure 530. The top 502 may be initially curved (e.g.concave) and transform (e.g. deform) into a planar or near-planarsurface as illustrated at FIG. 57.

Turning now to FIGS. 70-80, a seal 500′, similar to the seal 500, isillustrated. The features of the seal 500 are generally similar tofeatures of the seal 500′ and are renumbered by adding a prime (′).FIGS. 70-80 are derived from a finite element analysis of the seal 500′as it is progressively compressed between a first panel 156′ and asecond panel 154′ as the panels 154′, 156′ pivot toward each other abouta pivot P, P′. In particular, FIGS. 70-73 illustrate the seal 500′ withthe pivot P below top surfaces of the panels 154′, 156′, and FIGS. 74-80illustrate the seal 500′ with the pivot P′ above the top surfaces of thepanels 154′, 156′. As illustrated, the seal 500′ deforms such that thetop 502′ becomes substantially flat and co-planar with the top surfacesof the panels 154′, 156′ when compressed (see FIGS. 73 and 80). Imagesof the seal 500′ are included in an appendix that is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. The seal 500 is designed to form the flattop 502 when compressed under both configurations of the joint 200A,200B-C. Likewise, the seal 500′ is designed to form the flat top 502′when compressed under both configurations of the pivot P, P′.

Turning now to FIGS. 58 and 59, the quick-attach system 600 will bedescribed in detail. As mentioned above, the panel 152 is pivotallyattached to the interface system 105 at the quick-attach system 600. Thequick-attach system 600 defines the axis A0 about which the panel 152 ispivotally attached to the interface system 105. The panel assembly 101is also thereby attached to the interface system 105 at the quick-attachsystem 600. By releasing the panel assembly 101 from the quick-attachsystem 600, the panel assembly 101 can be removed from the pickup truckbox 80 and thereby free up space in the pickup truck box 80 occupied bythe panel assembly 101. As depicted, the panel assembly 101 ispreferably moved to the stowed configuration 104 before removing thepanel assembly 101 by releasing the quick-attach system 600. Likewise,the panel assembly 101 is preferably in the stowed configuration 104before reattaching or initially attaching it to the quick-attach system600.

The quick-attach system 600 includes a mounting bracket 610 with a pivothole 612 (see FIGS. 16 and 65), a mounting bracket 620 with a pivot slot622 (see FIG. 58), and a release member 630 with a pivot slot 632 (seeFIG. 59). The mounting brackets 610, 620 are attached to and part of theinterface system 105. The mounting bracket 620 further includes theprotrusion 624 and a fastener hole 626. In the depicted embodiment, theprotrusion 624 is an obround protrusion and is a single protrusion. Inother embodiments, a circular protrusion and/or multiple protrusions maybe used. In the depicted embodiment, the release member 630 includes theslot 634 adapted to fit on the protrusion 624 and a fastener hole 636adapted to be fastened to the fastener hole 626 by a fastener 650. Inthe depicted embodiment, a single fastener 650 is used. In otherembodiments, multiple fasteners 650 may be used. In the depictedembodiment, the fastener 650 is a rivet. The protrusion 624 may be anupset protrusion. The obround protrusion 624, engaged with the slot 634,may transmit shear forces and moments between the mounting bracket 620and the release member 630.

The release member 630 is preferably made of a spring material andthereby is flexible and can be moved to a release position withoutyielding the spring material. Upon releasing the release member 630 fromthe release position, the release member 630 automatically returns to aholding position. A tab 638 may be provided for manually moving therelease member 630 to the release position. The tab 638 may furtherprovide a ramp surface 640 for automatically latching the quick-attachsystem 600 with a shaft 270C of the panel assembly 101 when installingthe panel assembly 101 in the pickup truck box 80. When the releasemember 630 is flexed between the release position and the holdingposition, the release member 630 may be peeled away from the mountingbracket 620 and the protrusion 624 may slide within the slot 634. Thejoint between the protrusion 624 and the slot 634, including the rivet650, thereby provides a compact latch and release mechanism.

To install the panel assembly 101 in the pickup truck box 80 with thequick-attach system 600, a first one of two of the shafts 270C of thepanel 152 is inserted into the pivot hole 612 of the mounting bracket610 at a first side (e.g., a left side) of the panel assembly 101. Thefirst side of the panel assembly 101 is thereby supported by themounting bracket 610 and is thereby supported by the interface system105. A second one of the two of the shafts 270C of the panel 152 is thenengaged with the ramp surface 640 and thereby moves the release member630 to the release position. The pivot slot 622 includes lead-infeatures that facilitate aligning the second one of the two of theshafts 270C into the pivot slot 622 at a second side (e.g., a rightside) of the panel assembly 101. The pivot slot 622 may further taperand become tighter as the shaft 270C reaches a bottom of the pivot slot622. Upon reaching or shortly before reaching the bottom of the pivotslot 622, the pivot slot 632 becomes positioned over the shaft 270C andthereby allows the release member 630 to spring back to the holdingposition.

The pivot slot 632 is obround and thereby may slide on and off the shaft270C as it flexes. The pivot slot 622 is open at one end and therebyallows the shaft 270C to enter the pivot slot 622. The pivot slot 632fits snuggly on the shaft 270C in the fore-aft direction 108, and thepivot slot 622 fits snuggly on the shaft 270C in a vertical direction.By holding the shaft 270C snuggly in the fore-aft direction 108 and inthe vertical direction, the quick-attach system 600 aligns an axis A5 ofthe panel assembly 101 with the axis A0 of the interface system 105 witha desired precision.

To release the panel assembly 101 from the interface system 105, the tab638 (i.e., a release tab) may be manually moved to the release positionand thereby moves the pivot slot off of the shaft 270C. The shaft 270Ccan thereafter be removed from the pivot slot 622. After the second oneof the two of the shafts 270C is freed from the mounting bracket 620,the first one of the two of the shafts 270C may be pulled from the pivothole 612 of the mounting bracket 610. The panel assembly 101 is therebyfree from the interface system 105.

Turning now to FIGS. 60-63, a later guide arrangement according to theprinciples of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Asillustrated at FIGS. 60 and 61, the guide elements 330 ride along thetrack 110 t as the panel assembly 101 is moved between the deployedconfiguration 102 and the stowed configuration 104 in generally thefore-aft direction 108. Clearance may be provided between the guideelements 330 and a wall 120 of the rails 110 r, 110 l adjacent to thetrack 110 t. A corner 122 may be positioned between the wall 120 and thetrack 110 t. The corner 122 may take a form of a radius. The clearancemay accommodate manufacturing tolerances of the panel assembly 101.

The clearance, if present at all of the guide elements 330 would leavethe guide elements 330 unsupported against force loads with a componentin the transverse direction 109. In addition, force loads with acomponent in the fore-aft direction 108 (e.g., opening and closingloads) that are off-set from a center of the panel assembly 101 mayresult in a moment load in a horizontal plane being applied to the panelassembly 101 that is reacted by the axis A0. Such force and moment loadsmay result in binding in the panel assembly 101. Such binding may resultin the panel assembly 101 being difficult to open and close (i.e., beingmoved between the deployed configuration 102 and the stowedconfiguration 104). As illustrated at FIGS. 60 and 61, one of the guideelements 330, 330 g is placed in lateral contact with the wall 120, thecorner 122, or both. This may be done on the right rail 110 r, the leftrail 110 l, or both rails 110 r, 110 l. The guide element 330 g therebyreceives lateral support from the wall 120, the corner 122, or both.This lateral support may also react moment loads that would otherwise bereacted at the axis A0. Thus, the guide element 330 g, together with thecorner 122 and/or the wall 120 acts as a lateral guide that ispositioned on at least one of the first and the second rails 110 r, 110l. The guide element 330 g also serves as a vertical guide along thetrack 110 t.

As the moment loads in the horizontal plane may be reacted by a forcecouple at the axis A0 and the guide element 330 g, the guide element 330g is preferably a rear-most guide element 330 and thereby has a longmoment arm to the axis A0.

In preferred embodiments, a pair of the guide elements 330 g ispositioned opposite each other along the opposite rails 110 r, 110 l. Asthe lateral support is received as a compressive contact load betweenthe guide element 330 g and the wall 120 or the corner 122, positioningthe pair of the guide elements 330 g accommodates loads along thetransverse direction 109 in either direction. In other embodiments, asingle guide element may accommodate loads along the transversedirection 109 in either direction (e.g. a V-groove wheel). Inembodiments with the single guide element that accommodates suchbi-directional loads, the single guide element may be used for lateralsupport by the panel assembly 101.

In the depicted embodiment, the pair of the guide elements 330A, 330 gis mounted to the rear-most panel 158 adjacent the rear end 164 of thepanel 158 on a pair of shafts 300B. The shaft 300B is similar to, butlonger than, the shaft 300A. The shaft 300B is held by a bracket 340 andmay be sub-assembled to the bracket 340, as illustrated at FIGS. 50-52.The bracket 340 may exist as a right-hand or a left-hand bracket. Thejoining of the shaft 300B to the bracket 340 may include a weld portion312B on the shaft 300B being welded to a weld portion of the bracket340. The weld portion 312, 312B may be included on a flange 306, 306B ofthe shaft 300, 300B. The joining of the shaft 300B to the bracket 340may include a piloting portion of the bracket 340 receiving a pilot 310Bof the shaft 300B. As the rear end 164 of the rear-most panel 158 doesnot pivotally connect to another of the panels 150, no pivot joint 200is defined. Instead, a right hand and a left hand pair of the brackets340 are attached to the panel 158 by the fastening arrangement 360 atthe right hand and the left hand legs 176 of the panel 158,respectively. The bracket 340 further connects to the C-channel feature166 at the rear end 164 of the panel 158. The rear end 164 of the panel158 is thereby reinforced. The guide element 330A may be assembledbefore or after the bracket 340 is mounted to the panel 158. The guideelement 330A may be disassembled and reassembled (e.g., for servicingand/or replacing the guide element 330A) without additional disassemblyof the bracket 340 and the panel 158.

FIGS. 62 and 63 illustrate a method for adjusting the rails 110 r and110 l according to the principles of the present disclosure. Asdepicted, the rails 110 r and 110 l are a pair of opposing rails 110 r,110 l. The method includes: 1) installing the pair of the opposing rails110 r, 110 l; 2) assembling the folding panel assembly 101 to the pairof the opposing rails 110 r, 110 l; and 3) moving each of the opposingrails 110 r, 110 l inwardly. The pair of the opposing rails 110 r, 110 lis installed over a pair of the opposing side walls 86 r, 86 l of thepickup truck box 80. In particular, the right rail 110 r is installedover the right side 86 r, and the left rail 110 l is installed over theleft side 86 l. This installation may be part of the installation of theinterface system 105. The folding panel assembly 101 is assembled to thepair of the opposing rails 110 r, 110 l by respectively engaging a pairof opposing sets of the guide elements 330 with a pair of the tracks 110t of the opposing rails 110 r, 110 l. Each of the opposing sets of theguide elements 330 includes one of the lateral guide elements 330 g thatextends outwardly beyond the other guide elements 330. As illustrated atFIG. 63, each of the opposing rails 110 r, 110 l is moved inwardly untilthe wall 120, the corner 122, or both contacts the respective extendedguide element 330 g. As depicted, the extended guide element 330 g is arearmost guide element 330 g.

As depicted, the rail 110 l may pivot about an axis A6 l, and the rail110 r may pivot about an axis A6 r. The moving of the rails 110 l, 110 rinwardly may be accomplished by rotationally moving the rails 110 l, 110r inwardly about the axes A6 l, A6 r, respectively. The axes A6 l, A6 rare located on a forward end of the rails 110 l, 110 r. The frontcross-member 130 may accurately establish positions of the axes A6 l, A6r. The rails 110 l, 110 r are thereby rotatable about the frontcross-member 130 of the retractable cover system 100. The frontcross-member 130 may be attached to the pickup truck box 80. Theextended guide element 330 g and the front cross-member 130 may therebyfunction together as a jig to locate the rails 110 r, 110 l on thepickup truck box 80.

FIGS. 63-67 illustrate the ramps 400 r, 400 l as adjustable ramps 400 r,400 l according to the principles of the present disclosure. Uponadjusting the rails 110 r, 110 l, as described above, the ramps 400 r,400 l are preferably adjusted to align with the inner guide elements 330i. The ramps 400 r, 400 l are mounted to a respective one of the rails110 r, 110 l such that an inner portion of the tracks 110 t aligns witha corresponding one of the tracks 400 t of the ramps 400 r, 400 l (seeFIGS. 6, 16, and 17).

Alignment at an adjacent upper portion 402 of the ramps 400 r, 400 ladjacent the tracks 110 t may occur by virtue of the fasteningarrangement. However, lower portions 404 of the ramps 400 r, 400 l mayneed adjustment to align with the inner guide elements 330 i along thepath 106B. Jacking screws 410 may be provided for the purpose ofadjusting the ramps 400 r, 400 l. The jacking screws 410 may alsoprovide support for the ramps 400 r, 400 l. The ramps 400 r, 400 l maybe adjusted by bending the ramps 400 r, 400 l with the jacking screws410. The ramps 400 r, 400 l may be initially positioned (e.g., biased)outwardly and out of alignment with the guide elements 330 i. Thejacking screws 410 may jack against the sides 86 r, 86 l of the pickuptruck box 80 and thereby bend the ramps 400 r, 400 l inwardly until theyare aligned with the inner guide elements 330 i. The ramps 400 r, 400 lmay be formed with an outward bias. The ramps 400 r, 400 l may be formedof one piece of sheet metal. The jacking screws 410 may threadinglyengage the ramps 400 r, 400 l. A locknut 412 may be provided to securethe threaded connection between the ramps 400 r, 400 l and the jackingscrews 410. A head 414 (i.e., a hex head) may be provided on the jackingscrew 410 to adapt the jacking screw 410 to be turned by a wrench and/ora socket. A foot 418 (e.g., a rubber cap) may be placed on the jackingscrew 410 to protect the sides 86 r, 86 l of the pickup truck box 80from scratches, etc.

No cross-member is needed to directly link the lower portion 404 of theramp 400 r with the lower portion 404 of the ramp 400 l. The retractablecover system 100 does not need structure between the lower portion 404of the ramp 400 r and the lower portion 404 of the ramp 400 l.

FIGS. 10, 43, 44, 46, and 47 illustrate the locking system 900 for theretractable cover system 100. The locking system 900 includes a lockedconfiguration that locks the retractable cover system 100 in theextended configuration 102 and an unlocked configuration that allows theretractable cover system to be moved between the extended configuration102 and the stowed configuration 104.

The locking system includes a lock mount 902, a rotatable portion 904, aright guide 906, a left guide 908, the right lock rod 920 r, and theleft lock rod 920 l (see FIG. 10). The lock mount 902 is positioned onthe panel 152. The rotatable portion 904 is rotatably mounted to thelock mount 902 about an axis. The rotatable portion 904 includes an arm922 with a first connection 932 and a second connection 934. Therotatable portion 904 is moveable between a locked position and anunlocked position. The right guide 906 is positioned on a right side ofthe panel 152. The right guide 906 may include a bushing 940 mounted inthe opening 930 of the first member 210C of the joint 200C. The leftguide 908 is positioned on a left side of the panel 152. The left guide908 may include another bushing 940 mounted in the opening 930 of thefirst member 210C of the joint 200C. The right lock rod 920 r ispivotally connected to the first connection 932 and is slidinglyconnected to the right guide 906. The left lock rod 920 l is pivotallyconnected to the second connection 934 and slidingly connected to theleft guide 908. When the rotatable portion 904 is moved to the lockedposition from the unlocked position, the arm 922 urges a right end ofthe right lock rod 920 r to extend beyond the right guide 906 and enterthe right rail 110 r. When the rotatable portion 904 is moved to thelocked position from the unlocked position, the arm 922 urges a left endof the left lock rod 920 l to extend beyond the left guide 908 and enterthe left rail 110 l.

When the rotatable portion 904 is moved to the unlocked position fromthe locked position the arm 922 urges the right end of the right lockrod 920 r to retract from the right rail 110 r and urges the left end ofthe left lock rod 920 l to retract from the left rail 110 l. When theright end enters the right rail 110 r the right end is positioned overthe right track 110 t and when the left end enters the left rail 110 lthe left end is positioned over the left track 110 t.

The lock mount 902 may be positioned within a recess 938 of the panel152, and the rotatable portion 904 may be at least partially positionedwith the recess 938 of the panel 152. The right and the left lock rods920 r, 920 l are substantially contained within a side panel profile ofthe panel 152 (see FIG. 68).

Turning now to FIGS. 81-120, connecting structures 350 for theretractable cover system 100 are illustrated according to the principlesof the present disclosure. In particular, a connecting structure 350A ofthe connecting structures 350 is illustrated at FIGS. 112-120. Asillustrated at FIGS. 112 and 113, the connecting structure 350Ainterconnects the panel 152 to the front cross-member 130. FIGS. 93-101illustrate a connecting structure 350B of the connecting structures 350.As illustrated at FIG. 96, the connecting structure 350B interconnects apanel pair 250 that includes the panel 152 and the panel 154. Theconnecting structure 350B also interconnects a panel pair 254 thatincludes the panel 156 and the panel 154. The connecting structure 350Bmay be used between the panel pair 250 and the panel pair 254 insubstantially the same way. FIGS. 82-91 illustrate a connectingstructure 350C of the connecting structures 350. As illustrated at FIG.85, the connecting structure 350C interconnects a panel pair 252including the panel 154 and the panel 156. The connecting structure 350Calso interconnects a panel pair 256 including the panel 154 and thepanel 156. The connecting structure 350C may be used between the panelpair 252 and the panel pair 256 in substantially the same way. FIGS.104-111 illustrate a connecting structure 350D of the connectingstructures 350. As illustrated at FIG. 106, the connecting structure350D interconnects a panel pair 258 including the panel 156 and thepanel 158. The panel pairs 250, 252, 254, 256, and 258 are eachgenerically a panel pair 260.

Thus, the connecting structures 350 are arranged from a front to a rearof the panel assembly 101 as follows: the connecting structure 350Ainterconnects a first joint between the panel assembly 152 and the frontcross-member 130; a second joint between the panels 152 and 154 isinterconnected by a first of the connecting structure 350B; a thirdjoint between the panels 154 and 156 is interconnected by a first of theconnecting structure 350C; a fourth joint between the panels 156 and 154is interconnected by a second of the connecting structure 350B; a fifthjoint between the panels 154 and 156 is interconnected by a second ofthe connecting structure 350C; and a sixth joint between the panels 156and 158 is interconnected by the connecting structure 350D. In thedepicted embodiments, the panel assembly 101 includes six of the panels(1) 152, (2) 154, (2) 156, (1) 158. In other embodiments, the panelassembly 101 may include eight of the panels (1) 152, (3) 154, (3) 156,(1) 158, similarly connected in this sequence—152, 154, 156, 154, 156,154, 156, and 158. In embodiments with eight of the panels 150, anadditional copy of the pair 254 of the panels 156, 154 may thus be addedalong with one of the connecting structures 350B and one of theconnecting structures 350C.

In certain embodiments, all of the joints of the preceding paragraphinclude connecting structures 350. In other embodiments, one or more ofthe joints may include the connecting structures 350 while other of thejoints may not include the connecting structures 350. As depicted, asingle one of the connecting structures 350 is positioned substantiallycentered along the width W of each of the panels 150 (see FIG. 8). Inother embodiments, a plurality of the connecting structures may be usedbetween each of the pairs 260 of the panels 150. In other embodiments,the single one of the connecting structures 350 is not necessarilypositioned substantially centered along the width W of each of thepanels 150.

As depicted, the connecting structures 350 each include a first bearingsurface 354 and a second bearing surface 354 that work together tostructurally connect the panels 150 of the panel pairs 260. The firstbearing surface 354 is kinematically part of a first panel of one of theadjacent pairs 260 of panels 150. The second bearing surface 354 iskinematically part of a second panel of the adjacent pairs 260.Likewise, the connecting structure 350A includes a first bearing surface354 that is kinematically part of the front cross-member 130 and asecond bearing surface 354 that is kinematically part of the panel 152.The first and the second bearing surfaces 354 bear against each otherand thereby structurally connect the corresponding panels 150 of thepanel pairs 260 when the retractable cover system 100 is in the deployedconfiguration. When the retractable cover system 100 is moved toward theretracted configuration 104, the first and the second bearing surfaces354 disengage from each other and thereby disconnect the connectingstructure 350 from the corresponding adjacent pair 260.

As depicted, when in a connected configuration, one of the first and thesecond bearing surfaces 354 is an up-facing bearing surface 354 u, andanother is a down-facing bearing surface 354 d. The up-facing bearingsurface 354 u and the down-facing bearing surface 354 d bear againsteach other when in the connected configuration. When the up-facingsurface 354 u and the down-facing surface 354 d engage each other, thepanel 150 including the down-facing surface 354 d cannot move downwardwith respect to the opposite panel 150 including the up-facing surface354 u. Likewise, the panel 150 including the up-facing surface 354 ucannot move upward with respect to the opposite panel 150 including thedown-facing surface 354 d. As depicted, the up-facing bearing surfaces354 u are substantially parallel to a top surface 150 t of thecorresponding panel 150 on which it is mounted. Likewise, thedown-facing bearing surfaces 354 d are substantially opposite ofparallel to the top surface 150 t of the corresponding panel 150 onwhich it is mounted or a part of.

However, a single pair of the bearing surfaces 354 u and 354 d do notprevent the panel 150 including the down-facing surface 354 d frommoving upward with respect to the opposite panel 150 including theup-facing surface 354 u. Likewise, the panel 150 including the up-facingsurface 354 u can move downward with respect to the opposite panel 150including the down-facing surface 354 d. Therefore, to provide both anupward and downward structural connection between the adjacent pairs 260of the panels 150 a third bearing surface 354 and a fourth bearingsurface 354 are provided. The third bearing surface 354 is kinematicallypart of the first panel 150, and the fourth bearing surface 354 iskinematically part of the second panel 150. As with the first and thesecond bearing surfaces 354 that are paired and mated, the third and thefourth bearing surfaces 354 engage each other when the retractable coversystem 100 is in the deployed configuration and disengage from eachother when the retractable cover system 100 is in the retractedconfiguration 104. The third and the fourth bearing surfaces 354 arearranged oppositely from the first and the second bearing surfaces 354.As will be further described below, the bearing surfaces 354, 354 u, 354d may be provided on connecting pieces 352 (e.g., on a tab 356). As willbe further described below, the bearing surfaces 354, 354 d may beprovided on the connecting pieces 352 (e.g., on the tab 356) and/or onportions of the bottom leg 166 b of the C-channel feature 166.

Together, the first and the second bearing surfaces 354 and the thirdand the fourth bearing surfaces 354 restrain all vertical movementbetween the adjacent pairs 260 of the panels 150. This structuralconnection allows the panels 150 to reinforce each other when theretractable cover system 100 is in the deployed configuration. Forexample, when a vertical load is applied to the panel 154 and no load isapplied to the adjacent panel 156, the panel 156 may help the panel 154carry the load. In addition to directly carrying and sharing loads, theconnecting structure 350 may increase the overall stiffness of theretractable cover system 100. The connecting structure 350 may furtherreduce aerodynamic flutter and other vibrations and noise of theretractable cover system 100 when deployed.

Turning now to FIGS. 112-120, the connecting structure 350A will bedescribed in detail. The connecting structure 350A includes a connectingpiece 352A of the connecting pieces 352 and a connecting piece 352C ofthe connecting pieces 352. The connecting piece 352A is mounted to thefront cross-member 130. In particular, the connecting piece 352A isfastened to the front cross-member 130 with a pair of fasteners 366 t(e.g., rivets) through fastening holes 368. The connecting piece 352Aincludes a first tab 356A1 and a second tab 356A2, as illustrated atFIGS. 113 and 115. The tabs 356A1 and 356A2 extend through a slot 136 ofthe front cross-member 130. The front cross-member 130 further includesa pair of the fastening holes 368 for the pair of the fasteners 366 t.The connecting piece 352C is mounted to the bottom leg 166 b of theC-channel feature 166 of the panel 152. In particular, the connectingpiece 352C is fastened to the bottom leg 166 b with a pair of fasteners366 t (e.g., rivets) through fastening holes 368. The connecting piece352C includes a first tab 356C1 and a second tab 356C2, as illustratedat FIGS. 113 and 115. The tabs 356C1 and 356C2 extend beyond a forwardside of the panel 152.

Turning now to FIGS. 117-119, an engagement/disengagement sequence ofthe connecting structure 350A is illustrated. FIG. 117 illustrates thepanel 152 in the retracted configuration 104. In the retractedconfiguration 104, the up-facing bearing surface 354 u of the tab 356A1faces upwardly, and the down-facing bearing surface 354 d of the tab356C2 of the connecting piece 352C faces forward. FIG. 118 illustratesthe panel 152 transitioning between the retracted configuration 104 andthe deployed configuration. The up-facing surface 354 u continues toface in the upward direction while the down-facing surface 354 d rotatesand increasingly faces in a downward direction as the panel 152 movestoward the extended configuration 102. At FIG. 119, the panel 152 is inthe deployed (i.e., extended) configuration and the up-facing surface354 u is in contact with the down-facing surface 354 d. A similar butopposite action occurs between the tab 356A2 and the tab 356C1.

Thus, when the panel 152 is in the extended configuration 102, theconnecting structure 350A prevents upward and downward relative movementbetween the front cross-member 130 and the panel 152. It is noted thatthe joint hingedly connecting the front cross-member 130 with the panel152 is similar to the joint 200A in that a pivot axis of the joint,defined by the mounting brackets 610 and 620, is below the top surfaces150 t of the panels 150, when deployed.

Turning now to FIGS. 93-101, the connecting structure 350B will bedescribed in detail. The connecting structure 350B includes a pair ofconnecting pieces 352B of the connecting pieces 352 and portions of thebottom leg 166 b of the C-channel feature 166 of the adjoining panels150. As illustrated at FIG. 94, the connecting pieces 352B are fastenedto the bottom leg 166 b of the C-channel feature 166. As depicted, theconnecting pieces 352B are connected with a pair of the fasteners 366 tthrough a pair of holes 368. As illustrated at FIG. 95, the connectingpieces 352B, and therefore the fasteners 366 t, are staggered. Byincluding a staggered pattern, the connecting structure 350B can be mademore compact. By staggering the connecting pieces 352B, the connectingpieces 352B avoid interfering with each other. In addition, thefasteners 366 t and the heads of the fasteners 366 t also avoidinterfering with the fasteners 366 t of the opposite connecting piece352B. As illustrated at FIG. 97, the down-facing bearing surfaces 354 dare included on a portion of the bottom leg 166 b of the C-channelfeature 166. As illustrated at FIG. 98, the up-facing bearing surfaces354 u are included on a tab 356B of the connecting piece 352B. A firstof the connecting pieces 352B is on a first panel of an adjacent pair260 of the panels 150, and a second of the connecting pieces 352B isconnected to the opposite panel 150. As depicted, the connecting pieces352B can be identical parts.

Turning now to FIGS. 93, 98, and 99, an engagement/disengagementsequence of the connecting structure 350B is illustrated. FIG. 93illustrates the connecting structure 350B when the retractable coversystem 100 is in the fully retracted configuration 104. In thisconfiguration, the up-facing surfaces 354 u and the down-facing surfaces354 d face in a forward/rearward direction that is generally horizontal.FIG. 98 illustrates the adjacent pair 260 of panels 150 between theextended 102 and the retracted configurations 104. As illustrated atFIG. 98, as the retractable cover system 100 moves toward the extended(i.e., deployed) configuration, the up-facing surfaces 354 uincreasingly face in an upward direction and the down-facing surfaces354 d increasingly face in a downward direction. FIG. 99 illustrates theconnecting structure 350B in an engaged configuration with theretractable cover system 100 fully deployed. In the fully deployedconfiguration, the up-facing surfaces 354 u engage the down-facingsurface 354 d of the opposite panel. Likewise, the up-facing surface 354u of the opposite tab 356B engages the down-facing surface 354 d of theopposite panel 150.

Therefore, as illustrated at FIG. 99, the pair of the tabs 356B of theconnecting pieces 352B engage with opposite portions of the bottom leg166 b of the C-channel features 166 and thereby prevent upward anddownward movement across the adjacent pairs 260 of the panels 150. FIGS.98 and 99 generally illustrate the joint 200B as the axis of the joint200B is above the top surfaces 150 t of the panels 150 when theretractable cover system 100 is in the deployed configuration.

Turning now to FIGS. 82-91, the connecting structure 350C will bedescribed in detail. The connecting structure 350C includes a pair ofconnecting pieces 352C of the connecting pieces 352. As illustrated atFIG. 83, the connecting pieces 352C are fastened to the bottom leg 166 bof the C-channel feature 166. As depicted, the connecting pieces 352Care connected with a pair of the fasteners 366 t through a pair of holes368. As illustrated at FIG. 84, the fasteners 366 t of the connectingpieces 352C are staggered. By including a staggered pattern, theconnecting structure 350C can be made more compact. By staggering thefasteners 366 t of the connecting pieces 352C, the fasteners 366 t avoidinterfering with each other. In particular, the heads of the fasteners366 t avoid interfering with the heads of the fasteners 366 t of theopposite connecting piece 352C.

As illustrated at FIG. 87, the down-facing bearing surfaces 354 d areincluded on a tab 356C2 of the connecting piece 352C. As illustrated atFIG. 86, the up-facing bearing surfaces 354 u are included on a tab356C1 of the connecting piece 352C. The first and the second tabs 356C1,356C2 may be included on the same connecting piece 352C (e.g., in asplit-finger arrangement). A first of the connecting pieces 352C is on afirst panel of an adjacent pair 260 of the panels 150, and a second ofthe connecting pieces 352C is connected to the opposite panel 150. Asdepicted, the connecting pieces 352C of the connecting structure 350Ccan be identical parts and also be identical to the connecting piece352C of the connecting structure 350A. As illustrated at FIGS. 86 and87, the connecting pieces 352C of the connecting structure 350C may beidentical as they are oriented relative to each other about a verticalaxis and rotationally spaced away from each other by 180 degrees. Asillustrated, the first tab 356C1 is a straight tab and substantiallyextends parallel to the bottom leg 166 b. In contrast, the second tab356C2 is an offset tab that jogs upwardly when the panel assembly 101 isin the extended configuration 102. The connecting piece 352C may includean orientation feature 358 to prevent incorrect assembly of theconnecting pieces 352C to their respective panel 150. As illustrated atFIG. 84, the orientation feature 358 may fit within a hollow portion ofthe fastener 366 t when the retractable cover system 100 is in theretracted configuration 104 and thereby not occupy space that wouldincrease a size of the panel assembly 101 when in the retractedconfiguration 104.

Turning now to FIGS. 82, 88, and 89, an engagement/disengagementsequence of the connecting structure 350C is illustrated. FIG. 82illustrates the connecting structure 350C when the retractable coversystem 100 is in the fully retracted configuration 104. In thisconfiguration, the up-facing surfaces 354 u and the down-facing surfaces354 d face in the forward/rearward direction that is generallyhorizontal. FIG. 88 illustrates the adjacent pair 260 of panels 150between the extended 102 and the retracted configurations 104. Asillustrated at FIG. 88, as the retractable cover system 100 moves towardthe extended (i.e., deployed) configuration, the up-facing surfaces 354u increasingly face in an upward direction and the down-facing surfaces354 d increasingly face in a downward direction. FIG. 89 illustrates theconnecting structure 350C in an engaged configuration with theretractable cover system 100 fully deployed. In the fully deployedconfiguration, the up-facing surfaces 354 u of the tab 356C1 of theconnecting piece 352C engages the down-facing surface 354 d of the tab356C2 of the opposite connecting piece 352C. Likewise, the up-facingsurface 354 u of the opposite tab 356C1 engages the down-facing surface354 d of the opposite tab 356C2.

Therefore, as illustrated at FIG. 89, the pair of the tabs 356C1, 356C2of the connecting piece 352C engages with the opposite pair of the tabs356C1, 356C2 of the opposite connecting piece 352C and thereby preventsupward and downward movement across the adjacent pairs 260 of the panels150. As there are one upward 354 u and one downward 354 d facing bearingsurface on the first connecting piece 352C and also one up-facingbearing surface 354 u and one down-facing bearing surface 354 d on thesecond connecting piece 352C, both upward and downward relative movementbetween the adjacent pairs 260 of the adjacent panels 150 is prevented.As illustrated at FIGS. 88 and 89, the connecting structure 350C may beused between adjacent pairs 260 of panels 150 connected by the joint200A. The joint 200A includes an axis of rotation that is below the topsurfaces 150 t of the panels 150 when the retractable cover system 100is in the extended configuration 102.

Turning now to FIGS. 102-111, the connecting structure 350D will bedescribed in detail. The connecting structure 350D includes a pair ofconnecting pieces 352D of the connecting pieces 352 and portions of thebottom leg 166 b of the C-channel feature 166 of the adjoining panels156, 158. As illustrated at FIG. 104, the connecting pieces 352D arefastened to the bottom leg 166 b of the C-channel feature 166. Asdepicted, the connecting pieces 352D are connected with a pair of thefasteners 366 t through a pair of holes 368. As illustrated at FIG. 105,the connecting pieces 352D, and therefore the fasteners 366 t, arestaggered. By including a staggered pattern, the connecting structure350D can be made more compact. By staggering the connecting pieces 352D,the connecting pieces 352D avoid interfering with each other. Inaddition, the fasteners 366 t and the heads of the fasteners 366 t alsoavoid interfering with the fasteners 366 t of the opposite connectingpiece 352D. As illustrated at FIG. 107, the down-facing bearing surfaces354 d are included on a portion of the bottom leg 166 b of the C-channelfeature 166. As illustrated at FIG. 108, the up-facing bearing surfaces354 u are included on tabs 356D1, 356D2 of the connecting piece 352D. Afirst of the connecting pieces 352D is on a first panel 156 of anadjacent pair 260 of the panels 156, 158, and a second of the connectingpieces 352D is connected to the opposite panel 158. As depicted, theconnecting pieces 352D can be identical parts used flipped over fromeach other.

Turning now to FIGS. 103, 108, and 109, an engagement/disengagementsequence of the connecting structure 350D is illustrated. FIG. 103illustrates the connecting structure 350D when the retractable coversystem 100 is in the fully retracted configuration 104. In thisconfiguration, the up-facing surfaces 354 u and the down-facing surfaces354 d face in a forward/rearward direction that is generally horizontal.FIG. 108 illustrates the adjacent pair 258 of panels 150 between theextended 102 and the retracted configurations 104. As illustrated atFIG. 108, as the retractable cover system 100 moves toward the extended(i.e., deployed) configuration, the up-facing surfaces 354 uincreasingly face in an upward direction and the down-facing surfaces354 d increasingly face in a downward direction. FIG. 109 illustratesthe connecting structure 350D in an engaged configuration with theretractable cover system 100 fully deployed. In the fully deployedconfiguration, the up-facing surfaces 354 u engage the down-facingsurface 354 d of the opposite panel. Likewise, the up-facing surface 354u of the opposite tab 356D1, 356D2 engages the down-facing surface 354 dof the opposite panel 150.

Therefore, as illustrated at FIG. 109, the pair of the tabs 356D1, 356D2of the connecting pieces 352D engage with opposite portions of thebottom leg 166 b of the C-channel features 166 and thereby preventupward and downward movement across the adjacent pair 258 of the panels150. FIGS. 108 and 109 generally illustrate the joint 200B as the axisof the joint 200B is above the top surfaces 150 t of the panels 156, 158when the retractable cover system 100 is in the deployed configuration.

The connecting structure 350D is similar to the connecting structure350B except that the panel 158 includes a thickness Lv2 that issubstantially greater than a thickness Lv1 of the adjacent panel 156.For this reason, the connecting pieces 352D include a jog that matches adifference between the thickness Lv1 and the thickness Lv2. As with theconnecting structure 350B, the connecting pieces 352D are staggered withrespect to each other and thereby avoid interfering with each otheralong the width W of the panels 150 (see FIG. 8). As with the connectingstructure 350B, the connecting structure 350D includes the upward facingbearing surfaces 354 u on the connecting piece 352B. As illustrated atFIG. 97, the downward facing bearing surfaces 354 d are included on aportion of the bottom leg 166 b of the corresponding panel 150.

The connecting structures 350B are used to act as a reinforcingstructure at or near the center of the panels 150 of the same thicknessacross the joints 200B where the pivot axis is above the top 150 t ofthe panels 150, when extended, thereby joining the panels 150 to oneanother. When the cover 100 is open, the brackets 352B hang below thecover 100. As the cover 100 is closed, the brackets 352B rotate up andmate with a portion of the underside long leg 166 b of the panel 150opposite the joint. Each mating pair of the brackets 352B is offset fromthe center of the panels 150 in opposite directions slightly forclearance as they swing up into place. This forms a joint becauseneither of the panels 150 is able to translate up or down in the centeronce the cover 100 is closed.

The connecting structures 350C are used to act as a reinforcingstructure and mesh together and join where the pivot axis is below thetop 150 t of the panels 150, when extended (i.e., at the joints 200A).The connecting structure 350A is similar but is between the first panel152 and the cross-member 130. When the cover 100 is open, the brackets352C are opposite each other at or near the center of the panels 150.When the cover 100 is open, the brackets 352C extend above the cover100. As the cover 100 is closed, the brackets 352C rotate and meshtogether. In the closed position of the cover 100, the tab 356C2 of eachbracket 352C is offset upward above the opposing flat tab 356C1 of themating bracket 352C. This forms a joint when these offset tabs 356C1 and356C2 (i.e., sections) slide over the mating tab 356C1 and 356C2 on theopposite bracket 352C. In certain embodiments, both brackets 352C areequal and opposite and both have an offset 356C2 and a flat tab 356C1and thus do not allow either adjacent panel 150 to translate up or downat the location of the connecting structures 350C (e.g., in the centerof the panel 150) once the connecting structure 350C (i.e., joint) islocked. The rivets 366 t of the connecting structures 350C are offsetfrom each other when the cover 100 is folded open. This allows the panelassembly 101 to take up minimum space and not have excessive bow whenthe joint is collapsed. For the connecting structure 350A between thefirst panel 152 and the rail crosspiece 130, the rail crosspiece bracket352A is stationary in a horizontal position and the mating bracket 352Crotates up and into mesh, similar to the connecting structures 350C.

The connecting structure 350D is used at the final two panels 156, 158on the underside of the long legs 166 b in generally the same manner asthe other center supports 350B on upper pivot joints 200B. The brackets352D are used to act as a reinforcing structure at or near the center ofthe panels 156, 158 of different thickness at the joints 200B where thepivot axis is above the panels 150 thereby joining the panels 156, 158to one another in the middle. When the cover 100 is open, the brackets352D hang below the cover 100. As the cover 100 is closed, the brackets352D rotate up and mate with the underside long leg 166 b of the panel150 opposite the joint. The mating pair is offset from the center of thepanels 150 in opposite directions slightly for clearance as they swingup into place. The difference between this pair of brackets 352D and thepairs of brackets 352B that support the other upper pivot joints 200B isan offset jog in the brackets 352D. The long leg on the last panel 158is taller than that of the mating panel 156 and so requires that thetabs 356D1, 356D2 be offset to complete the joint. As with theconnecting structure 350B, the connecting structure 350D forms a jointbecause neither panel 156, 158 is able to translate up or down in thecenter once the cover 100 is closed.

As illustrated at FIGS. 81, 88, 89, 92, and 102, a bumper 950 may bemounted on the panels 150 for use in the stowed configuration 104. Inparticular, the bumper 950 includes an attachment portion 950A adaptedto attach to the panel permanently or semi-permanently. The bumper 950also includes a bumper portion 950B adapted to contact an opposite panel150 when the retractable cover system 100 is in the stowed configuration104. As illustrated, the attachment portion 950A includes a projectionadapted to insert through a mounting hole of the panel 150. Theprojection may include a latching feature to retain the attachmentportion 950A within the hole. The bumpers 950 may compress when theretractable cover system 100 is in the stowed configuration 104 andthereby reduce or prevent rattling of the retractable cover system 100when in the stowed configuration 104. The bumpers 950 may prevent thepanels 950 from directly contacting each other and thereby prevent thepanels 950 from scratching, scrapping, and/or marring each other.

As illustrated at FIGS. 2 and 3, the bumpers 950 may be hidden under therails 110 l, 110 r when the retractable cover system 100 is in theextended configuration 102 and thereby be protected from externalobjects and/or avoid detracting from the otherwise smooth appearance ofthe retractable cover system 100, when in the extended configuration102.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable cover system for covering a pickuptruck box, the retractable cover system comprising: a first railincluding a first track portion with a first cutout; a second railincluding a second track portion with a second cutout; a first lateralguide surface positioned on the first rail; a second lateral guidesurface positioned on the second rail; a plurality of panels extendingbetween a first side and a second side and pivotally attached to oneanother at a plurality of pivots; at least one first roller attached tothe first side of the plurality of panels, the at least one first rollerlaterally positioned to ride along the first track portion and passthrough the first cutout; at least one second roller attached to thesecond side of the plurality of panels, the at least one second rollerlaterally positioned to ride along the second track portion and passthrough the second cutout; a plurality of third rollers attached to thefirst side of the plurality of panels, the plurality of third rollerslaterally positioned to ride along the first track portion but not passthrough the first cutout, wherein one of the third rollers extendsoutwards from the first side of the plurality of panels further than theremaining third rollers and laterally engages the first lateral guidesurface to laterally guide the plurality of panels; a plurality offourth rollers attached to the second side of the plurality of panels,the plurality of fourth rollers laterally positioned to ride along thesecond track portion but not pass through the second cutout, wherein oneof the fourth rollers extends outwards from the second side of theplurality of panels further than the remaining fourth rollers andlaterally engages the second lateral guide surface to laterally guidethe plurality of panels; a first ramp continuing from the cutout in thefirst rail; a second ramp continuing from the cutout in the second rail;a first jacking screw threadingly engaged with the first ramp andadapted for engagement with a first side wall of the pickup truck box;and a second jacking screw threadingly engaged with the second ramp andadapted for engagement with a second side wall of the pickup truck box;wherein the ramps are initially positioned outwardly out of alignmentwith the rollers and are adjustable for aligning the ramps with theplurality of third and fourth rollers; and wherein the first jackingscrew bends the first ramp inwardly to align with first correspondingrollers of the plurality of third rollers when turned, and wherein thesecond jacking screw bends the second ramp inwardly to align with secondcorresponding rollers of the plurality of fourth rollers when turned. 2.The retractable cover system of claim 1, wherein the first lateral guidesurface is included at a first corner between a first wall and the firsttrack portion of the first rail, and wherein the second lateral guidesurface is included at a second corner between a second wall and thesecond track portion of the second rail.
 3. The retractable cover systemof claim 1, wherein the first lateral guide surface is included at afirst wall of the first rail, and wherein the second lateral guidesurface is included at a second wall of the second rail.
 4. Theretractable cover system of claim 1, wherein the one of the thirdrollers that is guided by the first lateral guide surface is a rearmostroller of the third rollers and wherein the one of the fourth rollersthat is guided by the second lateral guide surface is a rearmost rollerof the fourth rollers.
 5. The retractable cover system of claim 1,wherein the retractable cover system includes no structure between alower portion of the first ramp and a lower portion of the second ramp.6. A retractable cover system for covering a pickup truck box, theretractable cover system comprising: a first rail including a firsttrack portion with a first cutout; a first ramp continuing from thefirst cutout of the first rail; a second rail including a second trackportion with a second cutout; a second ramp continuing from the secondcutout of the second rail; a plurality of panels extending between afirst side and a second side, the plurality of panels movable between adeployed configuration and a stowed configuration, the plurality ofpanels substantially covering the pickup truck box when in the deployedconfiguration; and a plurality of guide elements that guides andsupports the plurality of panels and rides on the track portions, theplurality of guide elements including a first set of guide elements thatremain on the track portions but provide substantially no lateralsupport, a second set of guide elements that remain on the trackportions and provide lateral support, and a third set of guide elementsthat leave the track portions at the cutouts and ride on the ramps; afirst jacking screw threadingly engaged with the first ramp and adaptedfor engagement with a first side wall of the pickup truck box; a secondjacking screw threadingly engaged with the second ramp and adapted forengagement with a second side wall of the pickup truck box; wherein theramps are initially positioned outwardly out of alignment with the guideelements and are adjustable for aligning the ramps with the second setof guide elements; and wherein the first jacking screw bends the firstramp inwardly to align with first corresponding guide elements of thesecond set of guide elements when turned, and wherein the second jackingscrew bends the second ramp inwardly to align with second correspondingguide elements of the second set of guide elements when turned.
 7. Theretractable cover system of claim 6, wherein no cross-member directlylinks a lower portion of the first ramp with a lower portion of thesecond ramp.
 8. The retractable cover system of claim 6, wherein theretractable cover system includes no structure between a lower portionof the first ramp and a lower portion of the second ramp.
 9. Theretractable cover system of claim 6, wherein the second set of guideelements comprise a pair of opposing extended guide elements that extendbeyond the other guide elements to engage a pair of lateral guidesurfaces adjacent the rails and the other guide elements are spacedapart from the lateral guide surfaces.